The office was dimly lit, and the only thing that partially illuminated the hooded Dark Seer sitting by the large mahogany desk was the soft glow of a desk lamp. The walls were lined with ancient scrolls, mystic baybayin symbols, and a collection of eerie artifacts. Even with the room's opulence, a feeling of discomfort lingered.

The seer's long, bony fingers traced over a large, intricately detailed map sprawled out before him. His eyes, hidden beneath the shadows of his hood, flickered with a dangerous gleam. He whispered to himself, "The prophecy is unfolding, and it seems the time for action has arrived."

A man dressed in a sharp suit entered the room, his presence commanding and authoritative. His expression was unreadable, and his movements were precise and calculated. He approached the seer with a mix of curiosity and impatience. "What news do you have? The construction is not progressing as expected."

The seer looked up, his gaze fixed on the man. "The disturbances in the area where we're building are growing stronger. It seems we're on the edge of something powerful and ancient—something that could prove problematic for our plans."

The suited man's expression hardened. "We need that construction completed. The beast's presence cannot be allowed to stop us. This project is crucial for our control over the realms."

The seer nodded gravely. "I understand. However, we must be cautious. Disturbing the beast further could lead to unforeseen consequences."

"Consequences we'll manage," the man replied, determination in his voice. "The prophecy indicates that the seven demigods and their companions are already in motion. We must ensure our plans are set in stone before they can act against us."

The dark seer's voice grew softer and more menacing. "There is a looming threat, one that will make their journey perilous. We need to ensure that their path is fraught with obstacles and that they are driven into a corner."

The suited man smirked; his eyes gleaming with malice. "Excellent. Let them be consumed by their own fate while we secure our dominion. Our construction will proceed as planned, and no beast or prophecy will stand in our way."

The room shook violently, and at the corner, a dark portal emanating faint purple and red lights appeared. A tall, middle-aged man in dark, tattered robes entered. He exuded a strong aura of dark power that seemed to warp the very air around him. His presence was like a storm brewing on the horizon, carrying an oppressive weight that made the atmosphere feel thick and suffocating.

"They are in motion?" He spoke; his voice was a low rumble, resonating with a cold, sinister undertone that sent shivers down the spines of anyone who heard it.

The dark seer stood up from his seat and bowed at the man's presence. "Yes, my Lord."

"Give them something fun to do," he commanded, and he shifted his gaze to the suited man. "You already know the consequence if you ever fail me."

He gulped in fear. "Yes, father."

The man took one step back and vanished as quickly as he came.

☆.｡.:*　　.｡.:*☆

The lobby was empty when Samika and Vincent entered the hotel. Samika looks around, taking in the mundane but comfortable surroundings of the mortal realm's hospitality. After a brief exchange with the receptionist, the Engkantada secured themselves a room for the night. Vincent has been unusually quiet.

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To break the silence, Samika tossed him the key card and said, "You can go up first; I'll be right behind you."

Vincent sloppily caught the key card. "You know, booking a hotel room just for the two of us might give people the wrong idea," he said, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk.

She looked at him blankly and said, "What do you mean?"

"You know, a man and a woman alone in a hotel room," Vincent teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Samika remained oblivious. "I don't see why that matters."

Just as she stepped inside the elevator, she noticed a faint glow emanating from her leather wallet. She quickly pulled out a shimmering crystal that pulsed with gentle light, signaling an incoming message from someone in Luminara. This caught Vincent's attention, but before Samika could explain, she heard a soft ding followed by the elevator door opening. Samika walked rapidly and found their hotel room.

"Inside, quick," she said, grabbing Vincent by his shirt.

The engkantada held the crystal up, and a soft, ethereal voice echoed from it, accompanied by rainbow-hued soundwaves that shimmered in the air around them. "Lady Samika, it's Dao!"

Samika sighed, relieved to hear her friend's voice. "Dao! It is so nice to hear from you." The engkantada placed the crystal on top of her bedside table as she removed her shoes, wincing in the process.

"Are you okay? How is the mortal realm treating you?" Dao said, genuinely worried.

"Honestly, it's been so challenging. Everything is so different here. The first time in my millennia of existence did I ever experience a sore foot."

"Millennia?" Vincent looked at her with a puzzled expression, but her mind is elsewhere.

"Put some leaves on it; it will be fine in the morning," Dao suggested.

Samika chuckled. "I know. Oh, and I already know how to withdraw money using that blue card. The demigod I found earlier was kind enough to help me with it.

Dao's laughter was light and reassuring. "Well, it sounds like you're managing, at least."

Inside their room, Vincent sat down on the edge of the bed and watched in awe as the colored soundwaves conveyed not only the words but also the warm, friendly tone of Dao's voice. The casual nature of the conversation added a touch of normalcy to the otherwise surreal situation.

"I'll talk to you soon," Samika said.

The mood suddenly shifted: "I hope tomorrow's news isn't as bad as what everybody expects."

"What do you mean?" The shaky tone of Samika's voice turned the crystal's color a few shades lighter, almost fading out.

"All I heard was that they will be communicating with you regularly, and depending on the news tomorrow, they might send scouts to get your demigod and transport him here for safety." The diwata's cheerful voice grew faint as their conversation grew serious.

Vincent and Samika exchanged worried glances. "Just update me, Dao."

"Sure thing, get some rest, Lady Samika," Dao said, ending the call as the crystal's glow completely faded.

"What is that?" Vincent asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's an Engkanto crystal," Samika explained. "A way for us to communicate across great distances."

Vincent noticed Samika's change of expression—a mix of exhaustion and subtle fear. He finds it difficult to comfort someone after being in a complex situation that he can't even comprehend completely. Still, he patted Samika's shoulders as if they had been friends for a long time.

"I still can't believe I am in this situation, but I will try to help as much as I can."

His words somehow brought a gentle smile to Samika's face: "Thanks, Hibionada."

The demigod faked a disgusted expression: "Hibionada sounded so old. Just call me Vincent or Binkoy."

"Hibionada!" Samika chuckled lightly. "And there is a reason why you are the first demigod on the list. You'll be a big help in expediting the search for the other six."

Vincent rolled his eyes playfully. "And here I thought I was special."