Philippine Defense Force HQ, Meeting Room
An air of tension filled the Philippine Defense Force (PDF) HQ's meeting room one fateful evening. In the dim glow of the lights, Head Captain Dela Cruz had summoned every captain for an urgent discussion that could change the course of their fight against their supernatural foes.
At the edge of the room, a bespectacled female lieutenant stood and spoke formally, "They're here."
Instantly, all the captains stood from their seats and saluted as Head Captain Dela Cruz entered, his imposing figure exuding quiet authority, with Nuwa, the Head Shaman, by his side. The air grew even heavier with tension at their arrival; everyone knew this meeting was no ordinary one.
"Good evening," Dela Cruz began, his voice deep and authoritative. "We have confirmed the emergence of a new type of Devourer. They're being called 'Shift Type Devourers.' These aren't like the creatures we've encountered before. They possess a unique ability to change form."
With a swift motion, Nuwa laid out several photographs of these Shift Type Devourers on the table. Each captain leaned in, closely examining the images, scrutinizing every detail.
Captain Lubo picked up one of the photographs and studied it intently. Known for his keen analytical mind, Lubo had previously engaged in a few intellectual clashes with Dela Cruz in past meetings.
"These creatures appear smaller than most Devourers we've faced... how could they be more dangerous?" he asked, frowning thoughtfully.
Nuwa took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over each captain, and she began to speak with a gravity that ensured her words would leave an impact. "Shift Types have the power to mimic not only the appearance of a person or shaman but also their memories and abilities. These creatures don't simply imitate---they can manipulate anyone's emotions and thoughts."
Silence fell over the room, as the weight of Nuwa's words settled on each captain. Even Lubo, usually quick to respond, seemed deep in thought.
Dela Cruz spoke again, his tone even more serious than before. "If they can mimic our own allies, there's a real possibility they could infiltrate our ranks. We won't know who's genuine and who's an imposter."
A knock at the door interrupted the tense silence.
"Let her in," ordered Dela Cruz to the two lieutenants stationed by the door.
"Apologies for the interruption, captains. I just wanted to inform you that the examination is complete," announced Master Amara as she entered the room.
Captain Maharani furrowed her brows, "That was unusually quick," she remarked.
"A surprising event unfolded during the second round in the arena," Amara replied, thinking of Irosin. "Here are the nine recruits who passed, along with their rankings." She handed the list to Head Captain Dela Cruz.
PHILIPPINE DEFENSE FORCE (PDF)
Newly Appointed Shamans
Supervised by:
Rank 1 Shaman, Nuwa
Rank 3 Shaman, Maya
Rank 5 Shaman, Amara
Mayari Dela Cruz
(F) - A Rank, 18 Years Old
Baku Naga
(M) - A Rank, 19 Years Old
Tala Montalban
(F) - B Rank, 22 Years Old
Blu Saavedra
(M) - B Rank, 21 Years Old
Nathan Fajardo
(M) - C Rank, 20 Years Old
Drake Agila
(M) - C Rank, 23 Years Old
Sum Sandoval
(M) - C Rank, 18 Years Old
Lomi Atsui
(F) - D Rank, 18 Years Old
Irosin Garlo
(M) - Z Rank, 18 Years Old
Captain Lubo's eyes widened as he blurted out, "A Z Rank!?" In his fifteen years as a shaman, this was the first time he'd seen someone of such a low rank still accepted into the fold.
Excitement and curiosity flickered across the other captains' faces. Captain Valdez spoke up amid the murmurs, "I'm not surprised that Mayari ranked A. Who else would she take after?" He cast a knowing glance at Head Captain Dela Cruz and Nuwa.
The twin captains, Hezu and Hazi, chuckled in unison. "Her parents are the Head Captain and Head Shaman," they said, laughing softly.
Head Captain Dela Cruz cleared his throat lightly, then returned to a more serious tone. "The recruits will soon undergo advanced training. We need them ready for this battle."
Captain Valdez couldn't hold back his question any longer, "Who will train them, Head Captain? This mission is no joke."
Nuwa answered confidently, her tone filled with resolve. "We'll divide the new recruits into three groups. The top three ranking shamans will serve as their trainers."
A shiver of anticipation ran through the other captains at the thought of these fresh recruits training directly under PDF legends.
"The first group will be under Captain Lubo," announced Nuwa. "He'll be training Mayari Dela Cruz, Baku Naga, and Irosin Garlo. They'll officially join as members of the 1st Stealth Division."
Nuwa switched the projector image to a fierce-looking female shaman, Captain Maharani of the 3rd Stealth Division. "The second group will train under Captain Maharani. She'll work with Drake Agila, Tala Montalban, and Lomi Atsui."
Finally, Nuwa displayed the image of Captain Raja, who was currently on a mission. He would take on Nathan Fajardo, Blu Saavedra, and Sum Sandoval, training them for the 2nd Stealth Division.
After Nuwa explained the arrangement, Head Captain Dela Cruz stood up. "To officially welcome the new members of the PDF, we'll have a gathering tomorrow morning in the main hall. This will serve as their formal induction into our ranks."
The captains exchanged glances, respect and anticipation reflected in their eyes. They understood the importance of this gathering---not only to recognize the new members but also to show them the support of the entire force.
"Ensure everyone receives an invitation," Dela Cruz added. "I want every PDF member there to symbolize our unity and support. These recruits are entering a grueling trial, and they deserve a warm welcome."
Captain Valdez nodded, and the other captains saluted in agreement, ready to honor their Head Captain's command.
"If there are no further questions," Head Captain Dela Cruz said, "I'll dismiss this meeting. Get some rest and prepare for tomorrow's assembly."
After the meeting concluded, the captains dispersed, with each returning to their quarters or checking in on their assigned divisions. Captain Lubo, however, made his way directly to the PDF Bar, his mind already racing with ideas for preparing his new recruits. The recent revelation of the Shift Type Devourers had unsettled even him, and he could feel a heightened sense of urgency as he looked up at the night sky, the stars barely visible over the PDF HQ.
As Captain Lubo reached the Bar, he was joined by Captain Maharani, who had apparently been headed there as well. Her fierce expression softened slightly as she noticed Lubo's pensive demeanor.
"Those new recruits have no idea what they're stepping into," Maharani remarked, crossing her arms. "Training them to fight Devourers is one thing. But to prepare them for enemies that can mirror our own ranks... that's a different story."
Lubo nodded. "If even one Shift Type infiltrates, it could tear us apart from the inside. This isn't just a physical battle anymore. It's mental and psychological." His gaze hardened. "We can't afford to treat them as just recruits. From tomorrow on, they're Shamans."
As the captains exchanged thoughts, another figure approached silently through the shadows. It was Captain Valdez, his usual easygoing expression replaced with something far more serious. "Heard you two were here. Got room for one more in this little late-night strategy meeting?"
Lubo cracked a small smile. "Seems like no one's getting any sleep tonight."