The subsequent events unfolded in an instant. I felt an overwhelming force seize my back, lifting me with startling strength. Before I could even comprehend what was happening, I was hurtling through the air, away from the creature that had just attempted to crush me. Instead, its blow struck the helpless ground with a deafening crash. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Hiraya charging forward, her bastons gleaming as she struck the beast with precision. Her strikes forced it to retreat, its roar echoing with pain.

When I finally regained my bearings, I realized I was seated in the air, an arm securely wrapped around me, holding my weight. Turning my head, I froze as my eyes locked onto my rescuer's. It was Mayari. Her expression was one of mild displeasure, her glowing red eye casting an eerie light.

"Like what you see?" she taunted, snapping me back to reality. I quickly disentangled myself from her hold, stumbling as I stood. Gathering my composure, I muttered a timid thank you. Mayari shrugged with indifference, her lack of interest stinging more than her earlier remarks.

I never expected her to go out of her way to save me. She didn't seem like the type to offer kindness—especially not to someone she'd been mocking mere moments ago.

Footsteps approached, breaking my thoughts. I turned to find Hiraya drawing near, her face filled with concern.

"Makisig, are you alright?" she asked, her hand gently brushing my arm.

"I'm fine," I replied, offering a shaky smile. "Thanks to all of you. I owe you my life."

She nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze filled with understanding.

Suddenly, a resounding roar shattered the brief calm. I spun toward the source of the sound. It was the monster—my brother—writhing in agony. His screams were raw and guttural, as though something deep within him was struggling to break free. His torment was written all over him, and I longed to run to his side and ease his suffering. But the memory of his earlier attack was still fresh—approaching him now would be reckless, perhaps even deadly.

"It's the power of the Bakunawa," Hiraya said, her voice tinged with worry as she watched him. "It's trying to take over."

"Bakunawa?" I echoed, stunned. "You mean the moon-eating water dragon from the legends?"

"Yes," she affirmed, turning toward me. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. The essence of the Bakunawa is confined within your brother. And it's not the only creature of its kind. Others like it exist—some even stronger. They've coexisted with humankind for far longer than we can comprehend."

Myths and stories flooded my mind—the Bakunawa, a colossal snake-dragon revered and feared in ancient lore, said to have devoured seven of the eight moons in the heavens, leaving only one behind. The thought that such an immense, destructive power was contained within my brother was almost impossible to grasp. Yet, here it was—unfolding before me.

"Is there anything we can do to help him?" I asked desperately.

"We must stop him from fully transforming," Hiraya replied. "It's the only way to save him. If he completes the change, he'll lose himself—and the destruction will be unimaginable."

"But how can we stop it?"

"We either knock him out," Rajah interjected, his tone cold, "or eliminate him entirely. Whichever proves more effective."

"Eliminate!?" I cried, horror flooding my voice as I turned to Rajah. "You're not seriously suggesting killing my brother, are you?"

"Makisig, calm down," Hiraya urged, her hand resting on my shoulder in an attempt to steady me. "That's not what he meant."

I brushed her hand away, stepping toward Rajah with trembling resolve. Her concern was appreciated, but I couldn't just stand by while they discussed my brother's life so casually.

Rajah's expression remained impassive. "His survival cannot be guaranteed," he said firmly. "Our mission is to bring him in alive, but if that becomes impossible, preventing widespread devastation takes precedence. Whatever it takes."

"How can you say that so easily?" I demanded, my frustration boiling over. "My brother isn't just a mission to complete—he's a person! He has family, friends, people who care about him. How can you be so cold?"

Rajah's expression hardened. Though his dark glasses concealed his eyes, I could feel the weight of his judgment pressing down on me.

"Feelings. Sentiments. Affections. These are luxuries for the weak," he said. "We cannot afford such flaws in our line of work. But someone like you—a pampered city dweller, wasting time on trivialities—could never understand."

His words were sharp, and the disdain in his voice ignited my anger further. The tension between us crackled like an electric current.

"We are trained to assess threats and respond accordingly," he continued. "If eliminating him ensures the safety of countless others, then that's what must be done. Your brother is a high-level threat. If he refuses to cooperate, termination is the only alternative."

Something inside me snapped. I wasn't a violent person, but in that moment, all I wanted was to strike Rajah, to silence his cold, heartless words.

"I won't let you do that!" I shouted, my voice filled with defiance. "You'll have to—"

Pain erupted in my stomach, cutting off my words. Rajah's punch landed with brutal precision, leaving me breathless and crumpled on the ground.

"As I said, any interference with our mission will be dealt with," he said, walking past me without a second glance. "Consider yourself fortunate. Next time, I won't be so lenient."

Clutching my abdomen, I watched through blurred vision as the trio advanced toward the monstrous figure that was once my brother. Their steps were unwavering, their determination as unrelenting as the pain tearing through my body.