Tower of Biringan City

CHAPTER 2: Those who pretend must accept the punishment.

In the immersive game “Tower of Biringan City,” a legendary merchant known as “Ang Panday” is fabled to have forged the three elusive SSS Class weapons, each named after a Filipino hero: the Ice Kampilan of Lapu Lapu, the Magical Feather Pen of Rizal, and the Batong Kalasag ni Andres. Ang Panday’s disappearance after forging these weapons remains a mystery.

Three years have elapsed since the catastrophic events in Pampanga. War and outbreaks have become the grim norm, with countless monsters ravaging the Philippines. Khione, a dedicated player, stands as a guardian, relentlessly defending against the relentless hordes of creatures that threaten his homeland. He earned fame for quelling the initial incursions of monstrous entities, defeating millions of them. However, the elusive realm of Biringan City remains impenetrable, sealed away by two major dungeon breaches that transpired in the past three years.

Khione, after the second dungeon breach, vanished from public view. Rumors and speculations circulated; some claimed he was honing his skills, while others thought he might have met his demise. An air of uncertainty enveloped the once-unsung hero who had valiantly fought in the first two wars, leaving him conspicuously absent from the stage.

In an unassuming small barrio named Castillo, a group of friends gathered in front of a small sari-sari store, discussing the enigmatic Khione.

“He might be dead,” one of the friends speculated. “He took so many wounds in those battles against the Tikbalang,” he added.

“I still believe he’s alive,” countered another friend, brimming with hope.

Meanwhile, a familiar woman overheard their conversation and couldn’t help but smile, grateful that people continued to have faith in Khione’s return. She hurried back to their makeshift home, a hodgepodge of interconnected houses, and quickly set about preparing dinner, reflecting on the hero Khione had become.

“You’re a hero now, the talk of the town,” she mused. “When are you coming back—”

Before she could finish her thought, Khione himself appeared behind her, embracing her tenderly.

“It’s been a while, and there are plenty of others to guard our security, apart from me,” he whispered.

In the background, the television blared the news of the recent dungeon break, and Khione’s gaze shifted to the screen, reliving memories of the past.

The Philippines had adapted to a new normal since the incidents three years ago. Shelters and bunkers had sprung up across the nation to protect the populace from the recurring outbreaks. Skilled individuals who had awakened their powers in the game now served as defenders of the realm, while special forces had been established to guard the provinces. Guilds had emerged, offering protection to Filipinos in exchange for government compensation, some of them swiftly gaining notoriety.

Harold, a President of a prominent research company specializing in awakening potential abilities, was a trusted researcher in the Katipunan Class Alpha task force. He also belonged to SF-Zero, a renowned group composed of seven players, each with a different mastery class. They wielded a variety of legendary weapons: The Lambal of Tandang Sora, The Kalasag of Rajah Soliman, The Sublime Paralytic Feather Pen, The One Shot One Kill Riple ni Heneral Artikulo Uno, Kamagong ng mga Malay, Two Sword Style: Panabas ng mga Moro Tribe, and Kampilan ni Lapu Lapu.

Harold, the Wielder of The Lambal of Tandang Sora, drew his powers from Melchora Aquino, also known as Tandang Sora, who had aided Katipuneros during the revolution. Harold’s healing abilities had saved thousands of awakened individuals during the Great War.

Seated at his desk, Harold reviewed footage of newly awakened individuals, assessing their potential. A sudden knock at the door disrupted his concentration.

“Yo, Rold, have you found our hero yet?” asked Manjarez, a top 50 ranker in Pampanga, known as the Reaper, wielding a formidable scythe. He was arrogant and sure of himself.

“I’ve already told you, being in the same forces doesn’t mean I know Khione’s whereabouts,” Harold replied. “Besides, there are plenty of potential recruits this year, and many are part of the 6 Moon Guild,” he added.

Manjarez leaned in and whispered, “If I find him, I’ll be the one to end him and take his title as a Hero.” With a smirk, he left the room.

Harold muttered, “Arrogant,” before picking up his phone to contact Patrick. “I’ve spotted a potential awakener we could add to SF-Zero,” he said.

“Alright, I’ll have them come over so we can assess them,” Patrick replied. “Check the news quickly,” he added.

Harold rushed to turn on the news channel, where reports were emerging about strange occurrences in Mabalacat City.

“I’m currently in Mabalacat City, where a massive Balete tree has inexplicably grown in the middle of the road,” reported a journalist. Chaos unfolded as people fled in fear, and the tree caused a massive car crash.

“Is this the moment we’ve been waiting for?” Patrick wondered aloud. “I don’t know. Let’s wait and see,” Harold replied, urging Patrick to contact the president to secure the scene.

The president granted permission to create a safe zone within a five-kilometer radius of the tree.

At the scene, the other members of SF-Zero were all present. Patrick, who wielded the “Sublime Paralytic Feather Pen,” was one of the great wizards from the Great War. Bry, the bearer of “Kalasag ni Rajah Soliman,” was one of the frontliners who had fought side by side with Illumi in the Great War. Alyana, known as the wielder of “Kamagong ng mga Malay,” was famous for her speed and unique fighting skills using Arnis. Alli, who possessed the “Two Sword Style: Panabas ng mga Moro Tribe,” had swords blessed by the goddess Idianale. Kien, known for wielding the “One Shot, One Kill Rifle ni Heneral Artikulo Uno,” was renowned for his marksmanship and the ability to eliminate his enemies with a single shot but one crucial member was conspicuously absent – their leader.

Suddenly, the players’ phones chimed, signaling a crucial game notification:

“SYSTEM INFORMATION: THE LARGE TREE WAS THE ENTRANCE TO THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TOWER OF BIRINGAN CITY. ALL PLAYERS CAN ENTER THE TOWER.”

Startled, Alli and Patrick emerged from the tent to join Bry and Alyana. Kien swooped in from the rooftop to rejoin the group. Their discussion was interrupted by Kien’s announcement:

“I saw other guilds here.”

Patrick quickly assessed the situation, “We will barricade this place for a while to ensure no one enters.”

Bry, however, had his eyes fixed on the mysterious tree. It was as though he was trying to decipher its hidden secrets. Meanwhile, Alyana listened intently to the conversation.

Alli changed into SF-Zero’s iconic all-black nanotechnology suit with the tribal mask, embodying the image of their team. Bry, Alyana, Kien, and Patrick, on the other hand, remained In their casual attire, for now.

In a sudden turn of events, six guilds were teleported to the vicinity of the tree.

The Six Moon Guild, clad in streetwear, boasted formidable members. Manjarez, their apparent leader, chewed gum with nonchalance. Two heavily built players wielded Taming shields, while an average-height individual covered in Karambit knives, and a bow-and-arrow specialist flanked him. The young leader, wearing a Kitsune mask and headphones, held a Katana, with a Six Moon Guild necklace.

Next, the Katips Guild, an all-Filipino team, arrived wearing uniforms inspired by Katipuneros. Marky, their captain, brandished an Itak sword, while Juanito, the vice-captain, wielded their guild’s flag. Their flag resembled the KKK flag, a symbol of their historical connection. More than fifty members, including two mysteriously strong auras, stood among them.

In the scene, the White Maidens, an all-women guild led by Cristina, were also present. Additionally, two more guilds were visible in the distance. A random figure, bearing an outfit similar to SF-Zero’s, his face concealed by a tribal mask, his sword distinct from Khione’s, approached SF-Zero as if he knew them.

A sudden collision with Harold left the stranger fuming. “Hey! Don’t you recognize me?” he exclaimed.

Harold turned to face the stranger and replied, “Huh? You’re in my way!”

He pulled his sword and threatened Harold on his neck.

Before chaos could erupt, an arrow-like laser disrupted the situation. It was shot by Ric, the Blind Justice Guild leader. The BJG members, all wearing white suits, used a unique weapon called the “Timbangan ng Katarungan” for attacks, protection, and containment. The BJG maintained their position as a third-party group, intervening only when necessary.

Ric confronted the imposter and declared, “Those who pretend must accept the punishment. You never know the real strength of that hero, so don’t pretend you are him because you’re not him.”

The Imposter was knocked down, and his mask shattered, revealing him to be a civilian masquerading as the unsung hero.

Harold, annoyed by the commotion, redirected his attention to SF-Zero. While other guilds prepared for an offensive, SF-Zero strategized to defend the tree entrance.

Harold outlined the plan, “For now, we will send two of our players to scout the tower’s entrance. Based on their report, we will decide our approach.”

The guilds around them, however, seemed unfazed by SF-Zero’s words, focusing on establishing temporary camps.

As a mysterious mist enveloped the tree, the players braced for an unknown ordeal. All were on high alert.

Amidst the mist, a figure emerged near the entrance. Barely visible, he announced, “I’ll be the one to welcome you to the Tower of Biringan City.”

As he disappeared, a solar eclipse occurred, unsettling the players. Then, a deafening roar echoed through the clearing, causing the mist to dissipate. A horrifying sight materialized: over fifty Harimodon and an SSS-class Arimaonga were released from the tree.

In battle formation, SF-Zero took the front, followed by the Six Moon Guild, the Katips Guild, and the White Maidens Guild. The BJG, alongside another unidentified guild, formed the rear. Approximately fifty players braced for the onslaught. While Katips had many awakened players, only ten had joined the fray.

SF-Zero transformed into their iconic all-black nanotechnology suits and tribal masks, adopting a defensive stance. Juanito raised his guild flag, buffing nearby players with support abilities. Other enchanters also empowered their respective guild members.

Bry fortified the front line with his shield. The two giants from the Six Moon Guild lifted their Taming shields.

Members skilled in marksmanship, led by Kien and Ric, teleported to strategic positions to get better shots.

The horde of monsters roared and charged, initiating the brutal battle. Bry strained under the weight of his shield, while Alyana agilely dispatched Harimodon.

Alli exuberantly battled, unleashing infectious laughter as he tore through the monsters. Patrick unleashed his “Fire Burning Void” spell, creating a blazing vortex that consumed the creatures. Harold remained in the rear, bolstering his team with a variety of support skills.

Marky, from the Katips Guild, executed precise strikes, and, after thirty minutes, the guilds had dispatched half of the Harimodon. Unbelievably, the players remained unscathed, though their stamina was depleting.

Mnajarez taunted the Arimaonga, but the SSS-class monster was far from defeated. It retorted with a cunning grin, summoning another wave of over a hundred Harimodon. These were larger and armed, their horns more imposing.

The Six Moon Guild's leader charged ahead, but his assault was abruptly halted. His Kitsune mask shattered, and the two large guild members were overpowered. Arimaonga seized the opportunity, biting a smaller body of a woman – the captain of the Six Moon Guild.

The SF-Zero, their determined faces illuminated by the sparks of hope, surrounded the formidable Arimaonga. In their defiance, Bry, Patrick, and Harold stood at the forefront, flanked by Ali and Alyana, their unity a testament to the strength of their bond.

Arimaonga, oozing arrogance, belittled his opponents. “Is this the best team they can get to defeat me? You’re not even on my level,” he jeered. But the response to his arrogance was swift and deadly.

Alyana, a tempest incarnates, unleashed “Wind s***h of Amihan” and dashed forward with elegance and deadly precision. Ali, master of the “Two sword style: s***h blessed by Idianale,” was a whirlwind of bladed grace as he joined the assault. Harold, their guardian and enhancer, invoked “If I have nine lives, I’ll dedicate it to my country,” empowering the team with augmented speed and extra damage.

Bry, their immovable bulwark, invoked “Roar of Aring sinukuan,” reinforcing his defenses to withstand the coming onslaught. Patrick, their fiery wizard, let loose the “Power of chaos rapid attack from Tala,” a storm of star-like projectiles that pierced the air as he dashed towards their formidable foe.

The culmination of their coordinated assault created a shroud of smoke that momentarily veiled Arimaonga from sight. As the haze dissipated, a gut-wrenching revelation emerged. Arimaonga stood unscathed, his resonant laughter, a taunt that resonated through the battlefield.

The SF-Zero was stunned; their combined might had left no visible mark on the creature. Bry, engulfed by a fiery rage, could hardly contain his fury.

The situation worsened as Arimaonga once again prepared to strike, and Alyana, still bewildered by their previous failure, remained frozen. But in a remarkable turn of events, Bry rushed to her aid, deflecting Arimaonga’s attack at the cost of grievous injuries, leaving the SF-Zero in shock.

With the Arimaonga retreating from their impromptu assault, confusion rippled through the team. Their unity was undeterred, but the enemy’s strength was unnerving.

Kien, positioned at a distance, honed his skill, “One Shot, One kill: Luna’s Sharpshooter.” His expert marksmanship promised to penetrate any defenses and hit its mark. But, astonishingly, Arimaonga displayed uncanny agility, dodging the bullet with a deft step backward.

The arena was engulfed in an ear-splitting roar, leaving every player paralyzed in its wake. Arimaonga used this advantage to inflict deeper wounds upon Ali and Patrick.

The once-thriving battlefield had transformed into a grim tableau of destruction. SF-Zero members, initially resolute, lay injured and battered. Ali, Patrick, and Bry bore grievous injuries, yet their spirit remained unbroken.

Harold, an unwavering sentinel, continued to face Arimaonga from a distance. Kien, swarmed by Harimodon, struggled to create a safe space. Alyana cradled the wounded Bry, her eyes filled with despair.

Amidst the chaos and desperation, Arimaonga issued a decree. “Heal your comrades, let’s have a round 2,” he declared.

But as Harold confronted this bewildering twist, a hero descended from the skies. A powerful blow shattered Arimaonga’s barrier, sending the formidable creature reeling.

With an air of familiarity, the unexpected savior greeted Harold with a warm, yet somewhat cryptic welcome. “Hey! It’s been a while since we last met. It’s time to settle the debt from when you saved Coleen back then.” He said, leaving Harold in a state of shock.

Bry, recognizing the figure by Harold’s side, could hardly believe his eyes. It was his former captain from the first and second war, and a sense of renewed hope and intrigue dawned upon the battlefield.

As anticipation hung heavy in the air, the system announced, “SYSTEM INFORMATION: WELCOME TO THE THIRD WAR PLAYER KHIONE.” The arrival of this new player signaled a shift in the tides of battle, infusing the beleaguered warriors with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.