Samika had dinner with her father before returning to the mortal world. They discussed various topics, including contingency plans in case of further deforestation.

Upon returning, she heard Vincent calling for her. Though his voice was weak, it was clear from his room. She instructed the Engkanto soldiers to return to Luminara and closed the portal herself.

“Never open portals near us without my consent. The surge of high energy might attract Dalaketnons, and I can’t afford another attack while I’m still healing. The demigod is neither trained nor skilled for combat. Understood?”

“Understood, Lady Samika,” they said in unison.

“I’ll call Dao later to inform the council about this,” she said, waving her hand to dismiss the soldiers.

As the portal closed, she opened the door to Vincent’s room. He was half awake, rubbing his eyes and scanning his surroundings, realizing they were no longer at the hotel.

“Where are we? And who were you talking to outside?” he asked.

Samika smiled. “We moved to a bigger place. Think of this as our new headquarters.”

“What happened? Why did we relocate? The hotel was fine,” Vincent said, still rubbing his eyes.

Samika took a deep breath. “It’s a precaution, Hibionada. We faced a serious threat and need to be more secure. Your safety is my priority.”

The demigod blinked and tilted his head, confused. “What serious threat?”

“You still seem a little tired,” she chuckled. “I’ll tell you all about it soon. Right now, you need to rest.”

Surprisingly, Vincent nodded in agreement and slumped back on his bed.

While the demigod rested, Samika spent the afternoon scanning the neighborhood. She was still getting used to how time moved differently between the realms. She had just had dinner in Luminara, yet in the mortal realm, it was only 4 in the afternoon. The engkantada found it amusing that she could have dinner twice.

As she walked through the neighborhood, her gaze swept over the blissful surroundings. The subdivision's houses shared the same color palette and structures. Although there were nicer and larger houses on other streets, Dao had recommended they stay in a house similar to the others to confuse any potential enemies, and she agreed.

Samika saw children playing while their nannies and parents stood watch. Some were walking their dogs, and others were just exercising alone. She continued to walk but paused when her phone rang. The device still felt foreign to her, but she remembered Vincent’s instructions on how to use it effectively. She pressed the green button on the screen and placed the phone by her ear.

“Hello?”

“Samika?” A heavy sigh of relief could be heard from the other line. “I’m so glad you managed to answer my call!” Vincent exclaimed.

The engkantada rolled her eyes, avoiding the cringey, mocking praises Vincent was showering her with over the phone. “You’re awake? Do you need anything?”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Well, I was wondering why you left.”

“I am still in the subdivision, scanning the place. Just making sure everything is all good.”

Vincent nodded verbally. “Alright. Oh, and good news.”

“Mhmm?”

“I already found one of the six demigods we were searching for. Renszel Manabat doesn’t live far from here.”

☆.｡.:*　　.｡.:*☆

Samika knew it was a bad idea to bring Vincent along, but he insisted, and she couldn’t leave him unattended. By nightfall, they traveled to Renszel Manabat's location—Silay City. It was approximately an hour's travel time from the city terminal. They rode a regular bus—it was Samika’s first time. She wanted to stick her head out of the window, but Vincent scolded her. The streets were dark, and only the headlights and taillights of passing vehicles illuminated them. There were only a few people inside the bus, and the breeze was cold.

“You know, based on Renszel’s previous Facebook posts, he was asking for prayers for his terminally ill grandfather.”

Samika frowned. “Yes, I know. It was written in his data that he is a loving grandson. He worked as a seafarer before, but decided to open a business in his hometown and spend time with his grandpa.”

“It still really intrigues me how you know their backgrounds—I mean, our backgrounds.” Vincent chuckled.

“Vaguely,” Samika scoffed sarcastically. “The data is unhelpful. I think it would be best if they included physical appearances. That way, finding the demigods would be easier.”

Vincent smiled and nodded in agreement. “But I think their information can be useful if you use it as a basis for negotiating.”

“What do you mean?” Samika asked, confused.

Hibionada scratched his chin. “Well, if you think about it, Renszel might not take your offer on,” he air-quoted, “fulfilling his destiny, if he has a sick grandfather to tend to.”

“There is no way you just proved a point.”

Both of them chuckled softly. Vincent crossed his arms on his chest. “So, what about his skills? Is he powerless like me?”

“No, he is skilled in hand-to-hand combat and has the ability to manipulate water.”

“Manipulate water? Like, hydrokinetic? That’s super unfair.” He whined.

Samika just shrugged at Vincent’s overreaction and buried herself in the bus seat. Silently, she thought about what Vincent said. Renszel is deeply tied to his sick grandfather and may refuse her offer to fulfill his destiny as one of the Seven. There is no forcing the demigods, since it was part of the prophecy that each of them should willingly accept their fates.

“Stay here,” she warned Vincent. He was confused, yet did not question her. Samika moved to the back seat of the bus. There were only a few people aboard, and even the bus conductor was sneaking naps—no one would notice her talking with Engkantos if she pretended to converse with someone over the phone. As for the crystal’s brightness, it was dimmed since it remained hidden inside her leather purse.

The crystal emitted a soft vibrating sound, signifying that the line was connecting but no one was answering. Samika waited for a few seconds until she heard a faint, “Hello?” on the other line.

“Dao?” She called, whispering.

“Lady Samika?” Dao answered, mimicking her whispers. “Why are we whispering?”

“I’m in a mortal vehicle. There are a few aboard, but they look too exhausted to mind other people’s business.”

“That’s so dangerous, yet exciting.” Dao giggled but managed to keep it low. “My Lady, do you need anything? Do I have to wake the General and the Majesties for this urgent call?”

“No need. Just pass a message to Ina Baylan for me. Ask her if she is capable of healing a mortal, or has any idea about mortal medicine in general. We got information on Renszel Manabat’s whereabouts, but I fear his deep connection with his grandfather might hinder him from joining us. I just have to know in advance if we have the capability of healing his terminally ill grandpa, or perhaps just have the facilities to cater to his needs while Renszel is away. As soon as Ina Baylan gives you the answer, I want you to report this to Ama. Let Ama handle this with the council, and have him get me some papers for mortal passage. Got it?”

“Ask Ina Baylan about healing a mortal. Report to Ama. Have Ama inform the council and,” Dao paused, as if her words were too fast to write, “get papers for mortal passage. Got it!”

Samika smiled widely as soon as Dao confirmed that she understood the message. “Thanks, Dao. I knew I could always count on you. I’ll pin our location later.”

“May Bathala guide you on your journey, Lady Samika.”