Just as Don Fernando seemed ready to agree, his chief advisor—an old cultivator named Master Lao—stepped forward.
"Don't be fooled, my lord," he said sharply. "This is a trick. The aswang have always wanted to take what humans have built. Once you give them power, they'll destroy everything."
Before anyone could react, Master Lao struck—sending a wave of dark energy toward Don Fernando. Miguel moved instantly, his ring creating a shield that pushed the attack aside.
"You're the one who's been corrupting the land," Miguel said, his eyes narrowing. "You've been making Don Fernando believe his methods were working, while you drained the excess energy for yourself."
Master Lao laughed, his form beginning to shift and twist. "Foolish child. I've been waiting for someone to find the Book of Life Cycles. With it, and with Don Fernando's resources, I can become the most powerful cultivator in the world!"
He lunged for the book, but Miguel was already moving. The two fought through the office, their clashing energies shattering windows but leaving the rest of the building untouched—Miguel's ring directing his power to avoid harming innocent people.