Louigi's early days in this new life were filled with frustration. His mind was sharp, but his body was that of a newborn—weak, incapable of even lifting his own head. He spent his time observing, listening, and absorbing every bit of information he could about his surroundings.
The warmth of his mother's embrace, the deep voice of his father, and the bustling life outside their home painted the picture of a world full of potential. He had been reborn in a time of great change, and he knew that even as a child, he needed to prepare. His ambitions were far greater than simply surviving—he would conquer, rule, and reshape history. But first, he needed to understand his new world.
---
His father, Datu Gat Pansalang Nillos, was a warrior and a leader. He commanded respect among his peers and ruled over their barangay with discipline. Unlike some rulers who basked in wealth while their people suffered, Pansalang was an active leader. He trained alongside his warriors, oversaw trade, and personally dealt with disputes within the barangay.
His mother, Dayang Magayong, was the daughter of another powerful chieftain from the neighboring territories. Unlike her husband, who was focused on battle and politics, she was a woman of wisdom, overseeing household affairs, managing supplies, and ensuring the stability of their people. Louigi could tell that she played an essential role in governance, making up for what his father lacked in diplomacy and foresight.
Their home was not the most lavish in Tondo, but it was well-built,a sturdy wooden structure raised on thick bamboo stilts, protecting it from floods. Inside, the scent of herbs, dried fish, and burning incense filled the air. Their wealth came from trade with the Chinese merchants who frequently visited Tondo, exchanging silk and porcelain for gold, pearls, and spices.
From the conversations he overheard, he learned that the kingdom of Tondo was one of the most powerful in Luzon. The Lakandula, the ruler of Tondo, had significant influence over the region, but his power was not absolute. The datus who controlled barangays, like Louigi's father, had their own influence and authority.
He knew that for his plans of conquest to succeed, he needed to understand this world's politics. Unlike the modern world he came from, where nations were centralized, the Philippines of this era was fragmented. Every datu held power, and alliances shifted like the tides. If he was to unite the islands and build his empire, he needed to be smarter than all of them.
One of Louigi's greatest advantages was the System of Conquest. Even though he was still a baby, he had spent hours analyzing the interface in his mind.
[Status]
Name: Louigi Lakandula Nillos
Age: 0
Race: Human
Stats:
• Intelligence: 12
• Wisdom: 10
• Physique: 4
[New Title Gained: Reincarnated Strategist]
Effects: +10% Learning Speed, +5% Tactical Insight
[Skills]
Basic Comprehension (Passive): Learns languages, customs, and historical knowledge at an accelerated rate.
Tactical Instincts (Passive): Improves battlefield awareness and decision-making.
[Quests]
Survive Infancy: Reach the age of 3 without falling ill or suffering malnutrition.
Rewards: +2 Intelligence, +3 Physique, Minor Health Buff
Observe and Learn: Gather knowledge about Tondo's governance, trade, and military.
Rewards: +3 Wisdom, New Skill: Early Political Insight
He sighed inwardly. As much as he wanted to start training, he had to wait. He was still a baby, after all. However, he could maximize his growth by absorbing as much knowledge as possible. If he wanted to rule, he needed to start with small victories.
By the time he was two, he had already started to walk and talk. His parents were amazed at how quickly he was developing. His father, in particular, took pride in his son's rapid progress.
"You will be a great warrior one day, my son," Pansalang declared, placing a firm hand on his small shoulders. "Strong, intelligent, and fearless—just like your ancestors."
He didn't just learn how to speak; he observed everything. The way his father held his kampilan (sword), the way the warriors trained, the way merchants bartered at the docks—he absorbed it all. And most importantly, he listened.
One evening, as he sat with his mother while she prepared herbal medicine, he spoke. "Mother, why does Father always talk about war?"
Magayong looked at her son, surprised by his question. "Because war is part of life, my son. This land is not ruled by a single king. Every datu seeks to expand their power. Some do so through alliances, others through bloodshed."
He nodded. This was what he needed to understand. The world was in chaos, and chaos meant opportunity.
At the age of three, he had already begun his physical training. Though his body was still weak, his father insisted that he learn basic movements. He was given a small wooden training sword and taught how to stand properly.
The warriors of their barangay, all hardened men, watched him curiously. Some laughed, thinking it amusing that their datu's son was being trained so young, while others admired his determination.
"Balance, Louigi," his father instructed. "A warrior must always have firm footing."
Louigi focused, adjusting his stance. He knew that every great general, every conqueror, had to start somewhere. And if he was to be the greatest, he had to be better than all of them.
The System provided him with small boosts as he trained:
[Training Completed: Basic Sword Stance]
Rewards: +1 Physique, +1 Strength
[New Skill Gained: Beginner Combat Awareness]
Increases reaction speed and ability to predict enemy movements.
It wasn't much, but it was progress.
---
The Future of Maharlika
As his age and body grew, so did his ambitions. He listened to the stories of traders who came from distant lands, tales of the mighty Ming Dynasty, the rising power of the Ottomans, and the strange foreigners from the west who were exploring the seas.
"The world is changing," Louigi thought. "And I will make sure I am at the center of it."
He had no doubt that one day, he would unite these islands. He would forge a mighty empire that could rival the greatest civilizations of history.