The ceremony was about to begin. Children gathered at the center of the grand hall, ceremonial drums and trumpets echoing across the room. Adlaw stood near them, tall and proud.
Adlaw: "Today, we celebrate the birth of new warriors—protectors of our city's future!"
As he spoke, Lana and Lupig entered the hall. Kus Og beamed when he saw them and waved them over. The other guests greeted them warmly, though a few forced their smiles when facing Lupig. He noticed—but didn't say a word.
Then, the clock struck midnight.
One by one, the children began to glow—a soft white light emanating from their bodies, awe spreading across their faces. But then something unexpected happened.
Kus Og's body glowed gold.
A hush fell over the room.
Gold—the color of the original founders when they first received their blessings.
Man Lara leaned toward Adlaw.
Man: "Something special is unfolding…"
The golden light faded. The crowd erupted in celebration—but the joy was short-lived.
Suddenly, the city's speakers came alive, playing a deep, somber melody—the one reserved for funerals.
Fear rippled through the room.
Then, a distorted voice echoed:
Speaker (looping): "We are back… We are back…"
The lights went out. Darkness swallowed the city.
Panic.
Adlaw's voice cut through the chaos.
Adlaw: "Get your weapons!
Bituon Clan—survey the area.
Tu'na Clan—patrol the city and evacuate the citizens if needed.
Lara Clan—send a representative to the power station.
Everyone else—stay here. Protect the children and the women."
The clans sprang into action. Adlaw pulled his family close.
Moments later, red lit up the night—fires broke out across Maharlika.
A voice from the radio crackled through the tension.
Tu'na scout: "Every road in the city is on fire. I repeat—every road is burning. Immediate evacuation required!"
Adlaw: "Buntag Clan, assist with evacuation!"
People rushed through the smoke-filled streets toward the city plaza. Flames spread quickly, leaping from the roads to the houses. Screams and the clash of chaos filled the air.
It took until dawn for the flames to be extinguished.
Fifty casualties.
No suspects.
No demands.
No answers.
Only one chilling truth remained:
Maharlika was under attack once again.