The night before the battle, Louigi sat alone in his war tent, gazing at the flickering candlelight. His mind was sharp, yet a lingering thought gnawed at him—the origins of his power. The system had guided him from the moment he was reborn into this world, but he never questioned its existence until now.
A familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Status Report:
Name: Louigi O. Nillos
Age: 16
Title: Supreme Ruler of Maharlika, Warlord of the East
Stats:
Intelligence: 98
Wisdom: 94
Physique: 85
Strategy: 99
Leadership: 97
Skills:
Grand Tactician (S) – Ability to outmaneuver larger forces.
Silver Tongue (A) – Enhanced negotiation and diplomacy.
Iron Will (S) – Unbreakable mental fortitude.
Master of War (SS) – Profound knowledge of ancient and modern warfare.
Naval Dominance (A) – Command over fleets with unmatched precision.
Buffs:
Morale Boost – Troops fight with +20% effectiveness.
Tactical Supremacy – Army gains adaptive combat strategies.
War Economy – Improves efficiency in resource management during wartime.
Louigi narrowed his eyes. "Why now?" he muttered, his fingers drumming against the table. "System, what are you?"
For the first time, the system responded with more than just a notification.
[Answer: The system exists to guide the chosen ruler in reshaping the world.]
"Chosen by whom?" he asked, his heart pounding.
[Unknown. Your existence here is an anomaly, yet the path has been laid before you.]
Louigi exhaled, digesting the words. Whatever force brought him here, it had given him an opportunity to craft an empire beyond any seen in history. He clenched his fist. "Then I will see this through."Dawn approached, and the war camp stirred with life. He called his generals for one final briefing."We strike first," he declared. "Before they can organize, our forces will disrupt their ranks."
Rajah Dumagat nodded. "Our cavalry is positioned. We can launch a flanking attack before dawn."Kapitan Suma smirked. "The navy is ready. Their supply lines will be crushed by noon."Amaya spoke with a grave tone. "The people are ready to fight for Maharlika. They believe in you."Louigi stood, his eyes burning with determination. "Then let history remember this day. We shall not only survive—we shall conquer."
As the sun broke through the horizon, the Maharlikan army marched. The battle for dominance was about to begin.
The time had come. Louigi stood at the war table, his piercing gaze sweeping over the map of Southeast Asia. His empire, Maharlika, had grown strong, and now, the opposition forces sought to destroy him before he could cement his rule. But Louigi was not merciful. He would answer their challenge with absolute destruction.
The enemies of Maharlika had formed an uneasy alliance, desperate to halt Louigi's expansion. At the forefront was the Sultanate of Brunei, boasting a 30,000-strong army and a naval fleet of 200 warships. Alongside them, the Sultanate of Sulu had committed 15,000 fierce warriors and 150 swift karakoas, determined to raid Maharlika's coastline. The Rajahnates of Cebu and Butuan each sent 10,000 and 8,000 warriors, hoping to reclaim their independence.
From the north, the Ming Dynasty watched cautiously, ready to send an expeditionary force if Maharlika grew too powerful. And from the west, the Portuguese Empire, with its superior firearms and 50 warships, was contemplating an intervention.
Louigi, however, had prepared for this. His military reforms had forged an elite professional army of 40,000 disciplined soldiers, supported by a naval fleet of 250 warships and a cavalry of 5,000 warhorses. His blacksmiths had refined iron-forged weapons, giving Maharlika's warriors an edge over their enemies' outdated arms. With his battle-hardened generals and newly formed phalanx formations, he was ready.
In the grand war tent, Louigi addressed his commanders. His voice was calm but commanding.
"Brunei and Sulu think they can challenge us. Cebu and Butuan wish to reclaim their freedom. Let them try." He smirked, tapping the map. "We will strike first. No mercy, no retreat. We will make them regret ever opposing Maharlika."
Rajah Dumagat, the Supreme General, nodded. "Our phalanx formations will hold the line. With your tactics, we can crush their armies before they regroup."
Kapitan Suma, the former pirate turned High Admiral, grinned. "Their fleets rely on speed, but our warships are stronger. I will personally ensure none escape."
Bautista, the master blacksmith, placed a newly forged sword on the table. "Our weapons are superior. We will carve through their forces."
Louigi's golden eyes burned with determination. "Then we begin."
The first strike fell upon the Rajahnate of Cebu.
At dawn, 5,000 Maharlikan troops landed on the shores, their shields locked in phalanx formation. The Cebuan warriors, outnumbered and under-equipped, attempted a charge, but their spears shattered against Maharlikan steel.
He led from the front, his sword cutting down foes with precision. "No mercy! Wipe them out!" he roared.By nightfall, Cebu had fallen. Survivors were executed publicly, their heads displayed on spikes as a warning. The remaining 5,000 Cebu warriors surrendered, swearing allegiance to Maharlika.The Sultanate of Sulu believed their swift karakoas could outmaneuver Maharlika's fleet. Kapitan Suma, however, had prepared an ambush.
As Sulu's 150 ships entered Maharlikan waters, hidden warships emerged from the mist, cannons roaring. Explosions tore through the wooden hulls, and within hours, over 80% of the Sulu fleet was sunk.On the shores, 10,000 Maharlikan soldiers landed, burning Sulu's strongholds to the ground. The Sultan fled, his capital in ruins.Louigi stood over the wreckage, coldly watching the devastation. "No survivors," he ordered. And so it was done.
The most formidable opponent, Brunei, awaited Maharlika's final assault. Their 30,000 warriors stood behind fortified walls, their 200 warships ready for battle.Louigi, however, had one final tactic.He ordered a false retreat, luring Brunei's fleet into deeper waters. As they pursued, Maharlika's hidden fire ships were released, setting the sea ablaze. Over 120 Bruneian warships sank, their crews burning alive.
With their naval power shattered, Maharlika's 20,000 elite warriors stormed the capital. Brunei's warriors fought desperately, but Louigi's tactical formations and steel-forged weapons overwhelmed them. By the fourth day, the Sultan of Brunei was captured, his severed head displayed on the palace walls.
Louigi stood before his soldiers. "Brunei is no more. This land belongs to Maharlika!"
With Brunei, Sulu, Cebu, and Butuan crushed, Maharlika now ruled the entire Philippine archipelago. Foreign powers took notice.
The Ming Dynasty hesitated, realizing that interfering with Louigi might bring war. The Portuguese, now aware of Maharlika's power, reconsidered their expansion plans.
Louigi gazed at the map. "This is just the beginning," he murmured.
Maharlika was no longer a mere kingdom. It was an empire.