I mean, seriously, of all the websites out there—for cat videos, for funny memes, for people who like that boring sport, golf—you chose us. You chose BACon! And for that, I am so, so happy! (´。• ω •。`) ♡ It’s more than just a click. It’s you deciding to spend your time with us, and that means a whole lot. I’m just imagining you right now. You’re probably sitting in your room, with your phone or computer screen lighting up your face. Maybe you’re a cosplayer, looking for ideas for your next amazing costume. Or maybe you’re an artist, wanting a place to show off your drawings. Or maybe you’re a gamer, a fellow nerd just like me, who saw “Polyhedra and Pixels” and just knew you had to check it out! (≧ω≦) Whatever brought you here, I really hope you found what you were looking for. I hope you saw all the cool stuff we have planned for BACon Level 8!—the tabletop games on Polyhedra Day and the video game tournaments on Pixel Day! (o´▽o) I love both of them! I’m always inventing new gadgets, so the whole “Polyhedra and Pixels” thing is perfect for me. I’ve even been tinkering with my **SCHAXX** to make it better for tabletop games. (-ω-`) I’m super excited for the Cardboard & Creativity Contest! I can’t wait to see all the cool new games people have made. It’s like you get to see a little piece of their heart in the game. It’s so cool! \(≧▽≦)/ And on Pixel Day, I’ll be watching the Tekken tournaments! I’m not a pro, but it’s like watching a real-life anime fight! (ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧ It’s all part of our 8 Bit Hero’s Journey, you know? It’s going to be so much fun! We have quests like “Retro Gamer” and “Cosplay Spotter.” How awesome is that?! You get to level up and get prizes! It’s like we’re all in one giant video game together! I’m going to try to finish my quests, too! (⌒ω⌒) It’s all about making BACon a place where you’re not just watching, but you’re actually part of the adventure! We’re not just a convention, we’re a whole world waiting for you to explore! (っ˘ω˘ς ) I’m also really happy that we’re using this event to raise awareness about AIDS and STDs. It’s super important, especially for young people. We’ll have booths with information and people to talk to, but the most important thing is that we’re talking about it and helping people be safe and healthy. (´。• ᵕ •。) That’s a huge part of what makes me proud to be the mascot of this convention. ( ´ ▽ )ノ So please come join us in Balanga City on December 27 and 28 at Vista Mall! It’s going to be a blast, I promise you! We’ll have so many cool things happening, from special guests to workshops and contests. There’s something for everyone, whether you’ve been into anime for a long time or you’re just starting out. It’s a place where we can all come together and celebrate what we love. I can’t wait to see you there and maybe even take a selfie with you! (´。• ω •。`) ♡ But for now, since you’re here, why not check out our other social media pages? You can follow me on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or just keep looking around the website for more updates! The more people, the better, right? Let’s spread the word and make this the best BACon ever! And hey, if you ever feel like inventing something cool or drawing a new character, just know that I’m here cheering you on from my workshop in Balanga. You got this! Let’s make something awesome together! ヽ(⌒▽⌒)ノ So, what do you think? Did I do okay? Was it 1,000 words? I don’t know, I kinda lost count… I’m more of a math person, you know? But I really hope I showed you how truly happy I am that you’re here. It means the whole world to me. Now, I have to go back to fixing a circuit board. Wish me luck! (‘▽`) Is there anything else you want to kn.ow about BACon? Or maybe you want to hear a funny story about my sister, Pinica? She’s the best, but also a total prankster! (⌒_⌒;) Let’s talk again soon! (o˘◡˘o) I mean, seriously, of all the websites out there—for cat videos, for funny memes, for people who like that boring sport, golf—you chose us. You chose BACon! And for that, I am so, so happy! (´。• ω •。`) ♡ It’s more than just a click. It’s you deciding to spend your time with us, and that means a whole lot. I’m just imagining you right now. You’re probably sitting in your room, with your phone or computer screen lighting up your face. Maybe you’re a cosplayer, looking for ideas for your next amazing costume. Or maybe you’re an artist, wanting a place to show off your drawings. Or maybe you’re a gamer, a fellow nerd just like me, who saw “Polyhedra and Pixels” and just knew you had to check it out! (≧ω≦) Whatever brought you here, I really hope you found what you were looking for. I hope you saw all the cool stuff we have planned for BACon Level 8!—the tabletop games on Polyhedra Day and the video game tournaments on Pixel Day! (o´▽o) I love both of them! I’m always inventing new gadgets, so the whole “Polyhedra and Pixels” thing is perfect for me. I’ve even been tinkering with my **SCHAXX** to make it better for tabletop games. (-ω-`) I’m super excited for the Cardboard & Creativity Contest! I can’t wait to see all the cool new games people have made. It’s like you get to see a little piece of their heart in the game. It’s so cool! \(≧▽≦)/ And on Pixel Day, I’ll be watching the Tekken tournaments! I’m not a pro, but it’s like watching a real-life anime fight! (ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧ It’s all part of our 8 Bit Hero’s Journey, you know? It’s going to be so much fun! We have quests like “Retro Gamer” and “Cosplay Spotter.” How awesome is that?! You get to level up and get prizes! It’s like we’re all in one giant video game together! I’m going to try to finish my quests, too! (⌒ω⌒) It’s all about making BACon a place where you’re not just watching, but you’re actually part of the adventure! We’re not just a convention, we’re a whole world waiting for you to explore! (っ˘ω˘ς ) I’m also really happy that we’re using this event to raise awareness about AIDS and STDs. It’s super important, especially for young people. We’ll have booths with information and people to talk to, but the most important thing is that we’re talking about it and helping people be safe and healthy. (´。• ᵕ •。) That’s a huge part of what makes me proud to be the mascot of this convention. ( ´ ▽ )ノ So please come join us in Balanga City on December 27 and 28 at Vista Mall! It’s going to be a blast, I promise you! We’ll have so many cool things happening, from special guests to workshops and contests. There’s something for everyone, whether you’ve been into anime for a long time or you’re just starting out. It’s a place where we can all come together and celebrate what we love. I can’t wait to see you there and maybe even take a selfie with you! (´。• ω •。`) ♡ But for now, since you’re here, why not check out our other social media pages? You can follow me on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or just keep looking around the website for more updates! The more people, the better, right? Let’s spread the word and make this the best BACon ever! And hey, if you ever feel like inventing something cool or drawing a new character, just know that I’m here cheering you on from my workshop in Balanga. You got this! Let’s make something awesome together! ヽ(⌒▽⌒)ノ So, what do you think? Did I do okay? Was it 1,000 words? I don’t know, I kinda lost count… I’m more of a math person, you know? But I really hope I showed you how truly happy I am that you’re here. It means the whole world to me. Now, I have to go back to fixing a circuit board. Wish me luck! (‘▽`) Is there anything else you want to kn.ow about BACon? Or maybe you want to hear a funny story about my sister, Pinica? She’s the best, but also a total prankster! (⌒_⌒;) Let’s talk again soon! (o˘◡˘o)

Chapter 8: Tempest’s Embrace

“In chaos, strength isn’t just power—it’s the unity of those who wield it.”

Bataan Coastline: A Resilient Struggle for Survival

Tension crackled in the air as the Sandata unit squared off against Juan Luciano, Sandatas ready to rumble. The sky, a stormy canvas, hinted at the epic showdown brewing.

Amidst the misty chaos, in strolled Marian, a beacon of calm against the tempest. She approached Gregorio and Renato, her eyes a cocktail of determination and urgency.

“Gregorio,” Marian announced, voice steady amid the chaos, “Mission accomplished—I snagged the classified files, and Agosto’s got the relic coordinates.”

Gregorio nodded, impressed. “Great work. Time to regroup and retreat to Bulakan’s Safehouse.”

With a shared glance of resolve, Renato and Marian jumped into action, executing their well-drilled retreat like clockwork.

Bataan Coastline — Storm Unleashed

Juan Luciano, unflinching, raised Habagat ni Silang, his voice rumbling like thunder. “Heaven’s Wrath.”

Lightning lit up the sky, raining down on the Sandata unit. Gregorio and his team countered with a practiced symphony of defense.

Kalasag expanded as Gregorio and Marian shielded Renato. Renato’s Kalasag shimmered, reflecting lightning’s fury. Marian danced gracefully, slicing through the storm with her Sundang. Gregorio followed, blocking and parrying, diverting lightning from Renato.

Juan’s eyes narrowed, his next incantation a thunderous echo. “Heaven’s Hammer.”

A colossal bolt struck, Renato’s Kalasag absorbing the blow, cracks creeping across its surface.

Juan vanished, reappearing to unleash “Razor Hurricane.” A storm of razor winds and torrential rain spiraled toward the unit. Marian charged, heart pounding against the elemental onslaught.

Gregorio rejoined Renato, infusing Kalasag with Kamay ni Bathala’s aura, fortifying its strength.

Revitalized, Renato redirected the bolt at Juan. The Commodore dodged, his focus wavering for a heartbeat.

Bataan Coastline — Unity in Defiance

Agosto appeared beside Marian, a beacon of hope. Together, they danced against the storm, each strike a testament to their bond.

Gregorio’s heart soared at Agosto’s arrival.

“Regroup at the center and push back the storm!”, Gregorio commanded, and Marian and Agosto snapped into alignment.

Juan leapt into the fray, engaging in a melee ballet. Blades and glyphs swirled, yet Juan’s trident deflected all. The pace quickened. “You’ve all improved,” Juan growled mid-battle. From above, Renato slammed Kalasag into the ground, creating a crater. Juan flickered back, only to meet Marian’s Sundang slash, slipping through him like water. Re-materializing, Juan was met with Agosto’s explosive Kampilan thrust. Juan grunted.

“We’re not kids anymore, instructor!”, Agosto snarled.

“Prove it!”, Juan challenged.

Gregorio flashed to Juan, delivering a jaw-cracking roundhouse kick, sending the Commodore flying.

Juan landed gracefully. “Not bad, Commander Joaquin would be proud!”, he remarked.

“Now!” Gregorio rallied, his voice cutting through the tempest.

The Sandata unit summoned their collective might, their voices a unified cry.

Orphanage Training Grounds: Exterior – Years before the Basilan Spirit Breach

The training grounds buzzed with energy. Five figures moved with lethal grace. Gregorio’s Kamay ni Bathala bracers emitted a violet glow, each punch a promise of destruction. Marian’s Sundang ni Makiling shimmered with mist, her strikes a whisper of death. Agosto, a fiery vortex, wielded his Kampilan ni Lam’ang with primal heat. Renato, a prismatic fortress, deflected attacks with unyielding will. Maximo, silent and deadly, wielded his Sumpit ni Dumalapdap, a flute unraveling reality with a note.

Four instructors watched, a paradox of twilight and dawn. The first, a master strategist, redirected attacks with subtlety. The second, a woman familiar to Marian, moved with fluid grace. “Your relics are extensions,” she said. “They are not the mountain.” Vine-glyphs pulsed along her collarbone. The third, a former commando, moved with disciplined aggression. The fourth, a storm in human form, kept the unit on edge.

Each instructor taught through action. The strategist taught anticipation, the woman unity with relics, the commando endurance, and the naval commander chaos as a weapon.

Without warning, the instructors roared…

“Punishment of the Gods!”

Divine Synchrony – Kaptan Incarnate!”

The Sky Blessing Glyph bloomed beneath the instructors. A trident, star, and white spiral pulsed with ethereal glow, heralding an unfathomable force.

The Sandata unit watched, stunned, as Kaptan, God of the Sky, manifested, a fusion of divine power. A Punyal, glowing ethereally, nestled at its side. The Alab flared on its back, a burning star. The Habagat swirled in its hand. The entity extended its hand, a silent invitation.

The Sandata unit watched as the master strategist stepped onto its palm, entering a luminescent crystal. The crystal pulsed, the instructors’ power harmonizing—strategy, grace, raw power, and storm. The unit felt their legacy’s weight and their destiny’s burden. They saw the true meaning of Sandata.

Orphanage, Bataan Coastline, Present Day

“Punishment of the Gods: Divine Synchrony – Bathala Incarnate!”

Upon invocation, violet spirals from Kamay ni Bathala merged with Kalasag’s grid, Sundang’s veils, and Kampilan’s arcs. The Omni Judgement Glyph manifested, Baybayin sigils rotating slowly. Heartbeats synchronized, allowing Bathala Incarnate to emerge in harmony. Allies moved as one; enemies felt inevitability’s weight.

Mystic energy erupted from the Sandata unit, a shockwave rippling through the air. Sandata wielders worldwide felt the intensity. Even battling Echoes paused at the cosmic mana surge.

Maximo, observing, murmured, “Juan’s formidable if he compelled my former unit to unleash ‘Divine Synchrony.’ I must stay far, given the mystic energy. This place will be leveled.”

Back at the coastline, Juan Luciano stood firm, admiration flickering in his eyes at the unit’s mystical energy. A thick miasma enveloped the area, a living storm of mystic energy.

Juan awaited the emergence from the miasma. A spiritual purple aura materialized, towering, humanoid yet divine. It resembled a datu in celestial armor, holding a Sundang like Marian’s and a Kampilan like Agosto’s. Bathala incarnate, composed of spiritual energy. The Sandata wielders became one with their Sandatas, their essences intertwined with the divine.

Juan stood resolute, releasing his own spiritual energy shockwave, declaring his determination. The sky darkened as a massive hurricane formed, its size capable of erasing a country.

Tension crackled as the face-off began, a clash poised to reshape destiny.

Breaking the Silence

Live Broadcast — Archipelago Television News

🎙️ Rico Velasquez (ATN):

“Rico Velasquez here, live for Archipelago Television News, from above Bataan’s coastline where an intense, unidentified skirmish unfolds.

From here, we see combatants wielding relic-enhanced powers—violet arcs, mist formations, and shockwaves cut through coastal haze. The battle rages along a sealed-off shore, military cordons keeping civilians away.

No official word yet, but coastal monitors confirm both conventional and myth-tech signatures. Maritime traffic diverted, airspace advisories in effect.

Energy readings are unprecedented—the highest since the Basilan Spirit Breach. We’ll keep you updated. Rico Velasquez, Archipelago Television News, Bataan.”

🎥 [The feed crackles; a massive silhouette emerges from the mist offshore. The image freezes, then returns to the studio.]

Bataan Coastline — The Clash Begins

Tension thickened as Juan Luciano launched his assault. With a whisper, “Plasma Thrust,” he assumed a stance, a beam of supercharged lightning erupting from his trident. The battlefield quaked under the blast’s force.

The Bathala Incarnate absorbed the impact. An explosion followed, dust clouding the scene. As it cleared, the entity stood unscathed. Juan acknowledged the Sandata unit’s might. “So, this is why they were chosen for the most significant Spirit Breach,” he mused, recalling Basilan.

Within the entity, glowing eyes emitted otherworldly power. The Sundang and Kampilan surged energy, a horizontal slash unleashing a wave across the landscape, mist trailing.

Juan dodged, the battlefield now foggy. Sensing danger from above, he braced as a vertical Kampilan slash descended. Blocking it, he comet-crashed back to the ground, anticipating another attack.

Inside, Agosto, in spirit form, respected the Commodore’s resilience against Bathala Incarnate. Gregorio replied, “We escape by neutralizing or forcing his submission.”

Marian added, “We can’t let him complete his sync and unleash his Punishment of the Gods!”

Bathala Incarnate shifted into Kisap Mata form—Juan recognized it, steeling himself.

A Dance of Power and Precision

Bathala Incarnate flickered to Juan, delivering a rapid flurry of slashes. Juan spun his trident, a dance of speed and power. The clash intensified, a behemoth vs. fly battle, speed and ferocity escalating.

Juan’s skills kept him defending, unable to break the entity’s defenses. The relentless Sandata assault left him reeling, but he refused to yield.

The Balanghay’s Intervention

Aboard the Balanghay, Magdalena Ramos commanded the Godslayer protocol. The ship unveiled its “Godslayer cannon,” aiming at the Sandata unit. The crew awaited Magda’s signal. With a nod, she ordered, “Vaporize it.”

The cannon fired, the beam cleaving the sea. The unit blocked it with Sundang and Kampilan. An explosion reshaped the landscape. Juan stood afar atop “Bakunawa,” the legendary sea dragon.

Juan’s gaze silently messaged the unit, indicating a future battle. He signaled the Balanghay to retreat into the horizon.

Triumphant and Resilient

The Sandata Unit stood victorious, eyes on retreating adversaries. Despite the intensity, they emerged triumphant, their unity a testament to unyielding resolve.

Read more!