Magic and Deceit

Chapter I

Martin's killing of monsters was interrupted by a series of shaky knocks on his door. It was supposed to be just him, his PS4, and two cans of beer, Nobody else. He let out a sigh as he tossed his console at the side. Then, he took out the Pistol hidden underneath the couch. With the M1911 Pistol in hand, he marched towards the door to check who it is. An asshole who wants to kill him? Or a dumb asshole who mistook this unit as theirs. Hopefully, the latter, just brief words and no unnecessary corpse and blood splatter to dispose of.Halfway through, the visitor spoke out, Thank god. His heart slowed in its beating, and his grip on the Pistol loosened. Worry vanished from his thoughts, replaced by questions. Why would his old friend in college decide to visit him? How did he even know he lives in an expensive condominium in Bonifacio Global City? Martin Castillo tucked the Pistol behind him and opened the door.

Usually, Carlos Dimayuga represents a fierce lion, Carrying himself proudly with his head held high. His wide, black eyes always sharp and fiery. He stood at 6 feet tall, more extensive than Martin, and more intimidating. His beige skin and sharp nose made him eye-catching, couple that with his deep voice like a dragon's roar, and you have yourself a charismatic and intimidating activist.None of those traits were present right before Martin, though. Carlos Dimayuga was more of a rat than a lion. He was slouched and looked left and right, with his eyes blinking rapidly. Not to say the dark circles underneath it. His short raven hair is all over the place, shooting in different directions. All he needed was a thin-body, ripped clothes, and grease all over his body; he'd look like a junkie sniffing a plastic of Rugby in Edsa.It was weird for Martin since he was used to seeing Carlos dwarfing over him: someone who's merely 5 feet tall and 8 inches. It was now him who is more fearsome and intimidating with his shaved scalp and a diagonal scar that ran from the base of his right eye to his jaw.

Martin may not be as huge as The Rock; still, he remained physically fit and ensured his body remain toned. It worked perfectly well with his light-brown skin. The skin color of Maharlikans: Kayumanggi.Usually, when two people who haven't seen each other in a very long time saw Eye-to-eye once more, smiles and hugs would follow after. Nothing of that sort happened. Both of them stood at the doorway awkwardly for some time. Carlos wanted to reach out and make a gesture of formalities--but Martin's massive scar combined with his face's emotionless expression stopped Carlos in his tracks.

Of course, Martin is glad to see his old friend! Why would he not be? He was also shocked at Carlos' transformation. Why did he turn from a fearless man with principles to a scuttling rat? It seemed that he wasn't the only one that got fucked over, and that wasn't something you'd be grateful for. Someone you know is going through some tough shit like you.

Uncertainty hung in the air as they were enveloped in awkward silence. Finally, they decided to spoke up, but it happened at the same time. Both Carlos and Martin murmured the beginning of their sentences; both went silent and made it more awkward than before. Martin took the first step of conversation as he stood up straight and said."Carlos. What's up man, what are you doing here?""Oh, Martin! Nice to see you again. Can I-uh, can I come in?""Sure man, what for?" Martin positioned himself to the side to let Carlos pass. His gun, of course, was still in his hand and hidden behind him. Carlos was afraid as is, wouldn't want the poor man to piss his pants or something.

Martin's place might not be as large as a penthouse, but some of his furniture certainly belongs to a mansion. If Martin had his way, he would've filled this whole place with gold.The first thing that greeted Carlos was the wide 82-inch television sticking on the wall. It showed a rich forest's clear image with the trees' rich green color and the plants that please the eye. The color of the artificial sun was made well that it illuminated the virtual scenery and elevated the aesthetical beauty it provided. Even the hulking green giant monster that's supposed to look horrifying is beautiful due to how well the television is rendering its graphics and how well the game is made.