By the time Louigi reached his eleventh year, the name "The Little Tyrant" had spread beyond the lands of Tondo. It was spoken in hushed tones by rival datus, feared by enemies, and questioned by elders who could not comprehend how a mere child could think like a warlord. But Louigi did not revel in the title—he saw it as proof that his plans were working.
He was no longer just a boy; he was a leader in the making.
Louigi stood atop a wooden watchtower overlooking the settlement of Tondo. Smoke from the forges drifted into the air, the clang of metal against metal filling the surroundings. The sight of warriors training, merchants trading, and fishermen hauling their catch from the Pasig River filled him with determination.
"This land is divided," he muttered to himself. "Petty rivalries, weak alliances, and no true leader to unite them all. We could be so much more."
His goal was clear: Unify the islands under a single banner, create a powerful empire, and ensure its survival against future foreign invaders.
But first, he needed to expand his influence.
Tondo was strong, but it was not enough. Louigi mapped out the surrounding settlements, identifying key locations that would serve as the foundation of his empire:
Namayan – A rich trading hub located south of Tondo, ruled by the cautious but aging Datu Lontok.
Maynila – A coastal settlement under the rule of Rajah Sulayman, a warrior who both respected and distrusted Louigi's growing power.
Laguna de Bay – A strategic region filled with fertile lands and lakeside communities, controlled by the proud but isolated Datu Gat Pangil.
Rather than resorting to war, Louigi sought diplomacy first.
His conversations with Datu Lontok were long and filled with challenges. The old ruler was hesitant, unwilling to submit to the leadership of a boy. But after seeing the wealth Tondo had accumulated under Louigi's trade strategies, he agreed to a loose alliance, with the promise of stronger trade routes and protection against pirates.
Rajah Sulayman, however, was different. He was a warrior first and foremost, and he respected strength. "If you wish to stand beside me as an equal, then prove your worth," he declared, issuing a challenge.
Louigi accepted without hesitation.
The duel between Louigi and one of Sulayman's best warriors, Sagat, was set on a sandpit near the shores of Maynila.
[Combat Mode Activated]
Opponent: Sagat
Strength: 18
Speed: 14
Tactics: 10
Equipment: Dual Blades, Leather Armor
[New Skill Activated: Predictive Counter]
Effect: Increases reaction time and allows the user to predict enemy movements based on fighting patterns.
The battle was intense. Sagat's dual blades moved in a blur, cutting through the air with lethal precision. But Louigi was patient. He analyzed Sagat's movements, finding small inconsistencies in his footwork.
Then, in a single moment, he acted.
Louigi ducked under a wide slash, stepped into Sagat's guard, and slammed the hilt of his training sword into his opponent's ribs. Sagat staggered, and Louigi struck again—this time sweeping his legs and pinning him to the ground with a blade at his throat.
The crowd fell silent.
Rajah Sulayman watched with narrowed eyes before finally laughing. "You fight like a man twice your age. Tondo truly breeds monsters."
A few moments later, he extended his hand. "We will talk of alliances."
Louigi's victory had earned him not just a powerful ally but also the respect of one of the strongest warriors in the region.
After the battle, a new notification appeared before him:
[Quest Completed: Prove Your Strength to Rajah Sulayman]
Rewards: +5 Strength, +5 Leadership, New Skill: Warrior's Insight
[Current Stats]
Strength: 20 (+5)
Intelligence: 30
Wisdom: 27
Charisma: 24 (+3)
Physique: 18 (+2)
Leadership: 25 (+5)
Diplomacy: 22 (+4)
[New Skill Unlocked: Warrior's Insight]
Effect: Enhances ability to read an opponent's battle stance, increasing the effectiveness of counterattacks.
Louigi smirked. The System was rewarding him well, but he still had much to do.
Returning home after his duel, Louigi found his mother, Datu's First Wife Amihan, waiting for him with a worried expression.
"You take too many risks, my son," she scolded gently, pressing a damp cloth to his bruises. "A leader must know when to fight and when to step back."
"I know, Ina," Louigi said, smiling slightly. "But respect is earned, not given."
His father, Datu Gat Pulong, walked in, arms crossed. "You have impressed many, Louigi. Even I had my doubts, but you are proving yourself to be more than just a boy."
Louigi met his father's gaze. "Tondo will not just be a settlement, Ama. It will be an empire."
Pulonga raised an eyebrow. "Empire? That is a dream only the most ambitious dare to have."
"Then let me be the most ambitious."
His father let out a deep laugh, shaking his head. "Very well, my son. But know this: ambition without wisdom leads to ruin. Choose your battles carefully."
Nearby, his younger cousin, Balintawak, watched with wide eyes. "Kuya, will I be a warrior like you someday?"
Louigi ruffled his hair. "You will be whatever you choose to be. But if you wish to stand by my side, then be prepared for the path ahead."
With new allies came individuals who would play crucial roles in shaping Louigi's growing empire. Suma, a skilled spy and informant, specialized in gathering intelligence on enemy movements, ensuring that Louigi was always one step ahead of potential threats. Bautista, a master blacksmith, worked tirelessly to refine weapon and armor production, equipping Maharlika's warriors with superior gear that could rival even the most advanced armies of the era. Meanwhile, Amaya, a young but brilliant diplomat, handled delicate negotiations with Chinese traders and neighboring island rulers, securing trade deals that strengthened the economy and expanded Maharlika's influence. Each of them contributed to the grand vision of an empire that he imagine.
With his alliances growing and his knowledge expanding, Louigi stood on the edge of something greater. His people were thriving, his warriors were stronger, and his influence was spreading. But he knew the peace would not last forever.
The true battles had yet to begin.