87 Sarimanok (1/2)
Within the Negros islands, somewhere in an area between Luna's mansion and Mount Kanlaon. The high-level officials of the <Sovereign Nation> were gathered.
”The smaller Nations must have started to install their Agimats,” Luna said.
”That does indeed explain the stronger zombies. But there is one thing that I've noticed as well that didn't really happen in our world,” Elder Aran thought out loud.
”The increased amount of earthquakes lately, right grandfather?” Alea asked.
”Indeed.” The Elder replied.
”Truly? I thought this was a normal occurrence, what with the next phase probably requiring more energy to open the portals for the stronger enemies,” Sura inquired.
While the earthquakes were happening all around the world, the ones in the Philippine islands were noticeably stronger. Thankfully, the advance structures they currently had were not affected even in the slightest.
Unbeknownst to everybody, deep underground in every single one of the Philippine islands, divine light started to emanate from an unknown source.
”We'll worry about the details later, as of right now, none of us are sure of what this all could exactly mean. The other <Nations> must have felt the changes as well and are preparing to install their Agimats. We cannot delay much longer,” Luna declared.
Neither time nor information was on their side. All they could do was prepare as best as they could and hope that it would be enough.
”Agreed.” They all said in unison.
”Clemencia, have the Angels retreat back to the base for now,” Luna ordered.
”Yes!” She quickly replied. While the rest of the troops were told to retreat in advance, the Angels themselves opted to stay. They were thrown from Heaven to lived cursed lives and Luna not only saved them, but he also gave them the opportunity to evolve further.
With the Agimat of Attribute, they can now potentially surpass even the current Gods themselves. Although they were Angels, beings that people assume to be full of kindness, it would be a lie to say that they didn't hold some bitterness on the inside. However, they were now fiercely loyal to Luna. With even their leader, the Seraph Clemencia, devoting her life to Luna, they, in turn, saw him as their true master. They continued to fight and even though all it did was bring Luna a bit closer to level 61, they didn't mind the extra effort at all.
Truth be told, they still had a little over a week to make sure that the new citizens are settled in and assigned to their posts. Throughout the transition, the citizens from Emil's nation were all leveled to level 40. With the current EXP given by the zombies, this wasn't hard at all. Although it may not make them as formidable with the higher leveled and more geared up veteran soldiers of the <Sovereign Nation>, it was enough to ensure that had some chance of survival.
Luna was also aware of how unknown the next phase was, and how unpredictable it will be and the time before it's coming. He could not afford to have his soldiers out and about and be caught off-guard by whatever unexpected surprises this transition brings.
Just then, Luna received a message request from Paco who had been investigating Sneaky Snake's old lair. ”Lord Luna, we might need your help.”
”Paco, what's going on?” He replied.
”The Serpent's lair is one hell of a maze underground. Without its guidance, finding what we're looking for would have taken another few weeks. But there's something interesting here in its main dwelling. You might want to come and see it for yourself.”
”Alright, good job, Paco.” Luna then turned towards the rest and said, ”Sura, come with me. Elder Aran, Max, Tala, and Clemencia. Max, have Bakunawa come here at once. We leave immediately!”
”Yes, father!” Max enthusiastically replied. She had a feeling she was about to see something interesting.
”Bro, what about me?” Boni, the endlessly curious individual that he was, was interested as well. For Luna to bring such a group, it must be important.