Chapter 81: Player’s POV
President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III sat at his expansive desk in Malacañang Palace, the weight of the inexplicable events palpable. He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly, a sound like a tired sigh. A security aide stood stiffly before him, clutching a report.
"...and while there were 13 casualties, Mr. President," the aide began, his voice tight, "reports from Cagayan De Oro indicate a significant firefight in the slums. Local police initially attributed it to gang activity, but witness accounts are... inconsistent and weird."
Aquino’s eyes were closed, a deep furrow between his brows.
"No visible cameras in the area, but multiple independent witnesses reported only one man, facing off against several armed individuals. Furthermore, these witnesses also reported the involvement of American nationals. Most unusually, sir, the man alone was described as ’invincible to bullets,’ tearing through houses in his path. They’re calling it... supernatural."
The President opened his eyes, a flicker of something close to despair in them. He gestured dismissively.
"Close the case," he ordered, his voice firm despite the sigh that escaped him. "Immediately. Bury every shred of evidence. Tell the media to report it as an earthquake and mass hysteria. Inform PHIVOLCS of an earthquake in the area. Ensure the narrative is controlled."
He leaned forward, his voice gaining urgency. "Involving ourselves with such entities is too risky at the moment. Not when this country is finally on the cusp of rising out of a third-world status. Our reputation, our economic momentum... it’s too fragile to be jeopardized by something so... fantastical. We must project an image of stability and progress to the world."
Aquino’s expression hardened, shifting to resolve. He had to look forward.
"However, this incident also highlights our vulnerabilities. Inform Bytebull of a Digital Defense Research Initiative."
He paused, a grim satisfaction in his gaze. "They have just informed us that their Autonomous Research Lab has finished construction. We’re a country that the entire world now focuses on due to Bytebull’s success, and yet we’re a nation with woefully weak digital systems adaptation.
We must no longer ignore these weaknesses. Commission Bytebull to work directly with the DICT – the Department of Information and Communications Technology. This is paramount."