Manila's Underlying Currents

At this very moment,

beneath the deep curtain of night over the Philippines,

a distinguished Scholar, wearing a scholar's cap, slowly stepped off a dimly lit ferry.

The ferry's lights drifted across the water.

The surrounding crowd bustled with activity. Many faces were filled with curiosity and anticipation for the unknown journey ahead, as they discussed various travel plans for Philippines Manila.

Laughter and cheerful voices intertwined, yet no one noticed the extraordinary apocalypse that was about to quietly unfold upon this land.

Amid the commotion, a gentle and elegant young lady softly turned her gaze toward the Scholar as well.

Her smile was like a warm spring breeze, tender and reserved, carrying a subtle meaning that was difficult to detect.

Jiang Menghan gave a slight nod in greeting, as though an unspoken understanding had long existed between them.

"How was the rest of your journey?"

The young woman's voice was soft, like wind chimes swaying in the night breeze—gentle and quiet.

Yet Su Wen was not overly concerned. After all, everything had already settled into place within his plans.

All that remained was to uncover it:

"Not bad,"

he answered slowly.

"After all, today marks the end of this story."

Though brief, those words carried profound meaning.

It was as if everything about to happen would mark the end of their brief journey through Southeast Asia—and the beginning of a new chapter called Lorenz Riel.

Their conversation seemed especially tranquil against the noisy backdrop,

as though two worlds had converged.

As the night deepened, Su Wen and Jiang Menghan quietly left the brightly lit, bustling ferry when no one was paying attention.

Their figures swiftly melted into the night like two faint strokes of ink quietly spreading through boundless darkness.

Behind them, the ferry's lights gradually receded, leaving only