At the 2nd Company's home base in Sierra Madre, a small childlike figure could be seen perched on a branch of a tree, effortlessly catching a single leaf plucked by the wind. With one hand, he nibbled on some dried fish while his gaze wandered across the breathtaking mountain view.
Mysterious Kid: "After all these years… the view here is still beautiful.
Eric:It's good to see you, First Pato."
First Pato: "Drop the formalities, Eric. We're both far too old to be addressing each other with titles."
Eric: "You say that, but no one would ever believe you're at least a thousand years old."
The person Eric was speaking to was, in truth, one of the Engkata—ancient beings who had helped found the Agimatayo thousands of years ago. Despite their childlike appearance, First Pato held the wisdom of ages.
Mysterious Kid: "Welp, some old folks just want to stay young, y'know"
With a swift, casual motion, the kid dropped down from the tree.
Eric: "Where are the others, by the way?"
First Pato: "They're already at the hall. You're actually the one who's late."
said the kid, having a teasingly smile directed at Eric.
Eric:chuckles "Heh, well, being an old man makes you forget the time sometimes. Unlike someone I know who keeps getting lost even though he's visited this place a thousand times. Isn't that right, Dakila?"
Eric said with a grin on his face, while Dakila responded with an annoyed expression.
Dakila: "Yeah, yeah, sure. Just guide me to the meeting hall, will ya? There's much to talk about."
Meanwhile, 9:11 AM — at one of the 3rd Company's stores near the town of Valderrama…
The door to the storage room creaked open. It was Andaya.
Andaya:"Still can't quite get used to the sudden change of scenery…"
He stepped out of the store, rubbing his head as he muttered to himself.
Andaya:"To think the 3rd Company managed to set up a branch in a place this remote… That's impressive. I should probably file a request to open one overseas too."
While trying to sort out his thoughts, a voice called out to him:
??? "Excuse me! Are you Sir Andaya—the Tangan of the 5th Company, sir?"
Andaya turned to see six people approaching him.
Andaya:"Yeah, that's me. And you are?"
Ramel: "Oh—my name is Ramel Mabati. I'm a Taya from the 3rd Company."
Andaya raised an eyebrow, surprised. The mention of a surname caught his attention. In the Agimatayo, having a surname holds a significant status, granted only to those recognized for their potential by their Pato.
Andaya: "Then, can you use a Pektus?"
(Pektus — a unique supernatural power that can be achieved or passed down by an Engkata.)
Ramel: "Yes, sir. My Pektus is False Tracking, sir."
Andaya raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
Andaya: "So, you already have a surname and even a Pektus, and you're still a Taya..."
A smirk crept across his face as he recognized the potential Ramel held.
Andaya: "You've got a bright future ahead of you—just make sure it doesn't get to your head."
Ramel smiled earnestly and gave a firm nod.
Ramel: "Yes, sir."
Andaya: "How about you? What's your name?"
He turned his gaze toward a woman with piercing eyes, short hair, and a lean build—slightly smaller than him, with many items strapped to her belt.
Layna: "Elayna of the 7th Company, sir. I don't have a surname yet. I specialize in scouting and excel at close combat, using daggers and knives."
Andaya observed her carefully. She had a confident aura about her. If this were a class, she'd probably be the type who ends up as the secretary—sharp, composed, and always prepared.
His eyes then shifted to the figure in the hoodie, slightly taller than him.
Andaya: "How about you? The guy with the hoodie."
Jake: "Jake. Just Jake. Also from the 7th Company. I share the same specialty as Elayna—I'm skilled with knives and can handle scout duties too."
Andaya nodded, appreciating Jake's straightforward tone.
Andaya: "Alright. How about the last three?"
Someone stepped forward, his face lit with both excitement and eagerness.
Danilo: "Danilo, sir. From the 3rd Company. I don't have a surname yet, but I hope to earn one someday. Me and Ramel are friends. I'm good at ambushing enemies."
The sunlight hit Danilo's bald head just right, casting a bright glare. With a big grin on his face, Danilo stood proudly as Andaya squinted and shielded his eyes with a hand.
Andaya:"Yea, yea—who's next?"
Then, a confident voice broke through. A woman stepped forward, projecting a calm yet assertive demeanor. If Elayna was the secretary, this woman was probably the class president.
Venus:"Venus Hiraya, 7th Company. I'm a Panggulo."
Andaya raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Andaya:"A healer and an illusionist, huh?"
Andaya thought to himself as he gazed out at the vast rice fields.
Andaya: ["So they gave me a Panggulo for this mission, huh? That can only mean one thing—a massive outbreak of curses is involved in this."]
The last one spoke up, his demeanor friendly but humble.
Adrian:"Adrian of the 3rd Company, sir. My specialty is being all-around. Just to clarify, I can't heal anyone supernaturally or wield any special powers. I'm just a guy who knows a lot of things, and my combat skills are pretty average."
Andaya:"Don't worry. I understand. You guys were put under my command because your companies' Patos are confident you can handle this mission."
Andaya turned to face them, ready to introduce himself and brief them on the mission. Though some of them were still Tayas, this mission itself required at least three Panabla to complete. That's why Andaya wanted them to push beyond their limits to survive.
Andaya: "My name is Andaya Bonifacio, Tangan (2nd in command) of
Eric's 5th Company of Agimatayo."
He paused for a moment, then added some context.
Andaya: "We are deployed here to investigate the murder of a pregnant woman. The first thing that we need to do is find some information or anything related to the rumors that were speeded
We also need to track down their nest. So, if you manage to corner an Aswang, don't kill it immediately—cut off their limbs. They can amnd interrogate regenerate, but not quickly, and the pain will be unbearable. Once we get the information we need from that monster, feel free to cut off its head or pierce its heart."
Ramel: "What do you mean by that, sir? Are you saying we're going to fight them in their own territory?"
Andaya: "No, we're going to lure them out and fight them where we can have an advantage. Aswang are exceptionally loyal to their kind. If we manage to kill or kidnap someone important to them, they will come after us."
Andaya paused for a moment before speaking again.
Andaya: "Last piece of advice: the way to survive this mission is to become as brutal as possible."