Chapter 1: "The Unexpected Inheritance"

DSDA, or the Department of Secretive Defense Agency, was a clandestine organization born from the collective efforts of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Defense (DOD). Its primary objective was to shield the Philippines from the looming specter of international threats and pandemics. At the helm of this secretive agency was a covert protocol known as "The Project LIFT," an audacious endeavor aimed at rendering the Philippines invisible on the world map, protecting its territorial integrity by descending into the depths of the earth like an elevator.

The fragile veneer of normalcy was shattered when news broke out about a mysterious virus originating from China, which spread with alarming rapidity across the globe. Luzon, including the bustling metropolis of Manila, was overrun by hordes of infected individuals, their minds consumed by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The director of the DSDA fell victim to the chaos, meeting a tragic end while attending a high-level meeting with the DOD secretary in Manila.

As I, Ginart Herrera, navigated the unassuming corridors of a local college in Bukidnon, my true identity as the head research engineer of Project LIFT remained hidden behind the façade of an education student. Secrecy was paramount, and I had grown accustomed to living a double life. However, the carefully constructed illusion was shattered when I received news of the director's demise.

The agency's decision was swift and unequivocal: I was to assume the role of acting director, tasked with the monumental responsibility of spearheading Project LIFT to its fruition, unhindered by the turmoil unfolding around us.

The tranquility of the campus was disrupted by the sudden arrival of three helicopters emblazoned with the DSDA logo. They descended upon the school grounds, casting a pall of confusion over the students and faculty.

Two of the choppers carried armed soldiers clad in black uniforms, their faces set with a resolute determination. Each helicopter bore five soldiers, excluding the pilot. The third chopper carried James Sarmiento, the secretary of the former DSDA director, who disembarked with an air of urgency.

I watched the scene unfold with a mix of fascination and trepidation. The students and faculty were oblivious to the true nature of the events transpiring before their eyes. Only I and the newly arrived entourage grasped the gravity of the situation: the nation teetered on the brink of collapse, threatened by an insidious enemy that imperiled our very existence. As the minutes ticked by, James Sarmiento emerged from the faculty building, his expression a mask of gravitas. The students, including myself, converged upon the covered court, our collective curiosity piqued.

It was then that two armed soldiers approached me, their voices firm but polite. Sir, you have to come with us. I nodded, aware that my dual existence was about to be extinguished.

My friends, bewildered by the sudden turn of events, expressed their concerns, but I reassured them with a calm smile. As I stepped out of the covered court, flanked by the two soldiers, James awaited me, his eyes locked onto mine.

Sir, I know you've already received the message," he said, his voice low and measured. I nodded, and he continued, You understand that this is a matter of national security, sir. You must follow the protocol and do what's needed. I nodded my head, a sense of trepidation creeping up my spine.

What am I supposed to do now? I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

James's response was unequivocal. First, you must make a public appearance here at this school, delivering a speech to announce and publicize the project.

A jolt of surprise coursed through my veins.

What? Publicize the project? I thought it was confidential and top-secret.

James's expression remained unyielding.

The VP decided to publicize the project, letting the citizens know despite the situation the country is facing now. You must follow the protocol as the acting director of this agency. You will make your first public speech here, and we brought a team to record your speech and post it through social media, news media outlets, and radio stations.

You must explain the situation our country is facing our to citizens and not cause any panic. In a few minutes, you will be on stage to do your speech as the acting director of the DSDA.

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