Prologue: The Shift of Time
The air was cold at night. Inside a modern barracks at Camp Aguinaldo, the soldiers of the Philippine Army were busy with their respective duties — some were training, some were on guard, some had their weapons ready, prepared for any danger.
"Sir, something strange is happening," said Lt. Reyes, while looking at his radar monitor. The screen suddenly filled with unusual lights, like stars flickering on and off within seconds.
"Report, what is that?" asked Capt. Del Rosario.
"Unidentified energy surge, sir, but it seems to be coming from different parts of Metro Manila," replied Reyes, clearly in disbelief.
Suddenly, everyone felt a strong shaking, like an earthquake. The soldiers exchanged glances. The lights burst out and their gadgets shut down. In an instant, it felt like they had been transported to another world.
Staring around, Lt. Reyes gradually realized that they were no longer at Camp Aguinaldo. The surroundings were strange — the buildings were made of wood and stone, there was no modern technology, and the people wore old-fashioned clothing.
"Where are we, Sir?" he asked his captain.
"I don't know," answered Capt. Del Rosario, "but it seems like we've gone back to the time of Apo Lakay."
They did not yet fully understand what had happened, but it was clear that their mission had changed. In a world full of dangers, they would need to adapt, plan, and fight in order to return to their own time.
But there was a deeper reason for their arrival — a secret that would change not only history but the entire Philippines.