The One Who Holds The World

Harmony Amidst Chaos

Eight months before his dramatic showdown with Cyrielle and the Local Peacekeepers, Lars Valeria led a simple life as a demolition man. He lived in the humble slums of Las Piñados with his younger sister, Lisa. Despite their modest circumstances, Lars was known for his intelligence, wisdom, and an unwavering sense of justice that guided his every action.

On a sweltering afternoon, Lars made his way through the bustling streets, heading to his job with the Global Peacekeeping Organization (GPO). The neighborhood was alive with the sounds of daily life—vendors calling out their wares, children playing in the narrow alleys, and elders sitting on stoops, watching the world go by.

"Lars!" called out an elderly woman from her porch. "Will you bring us a little something when you come back from work, hijo?"

Lars smiled warmly, pausing to greet the woman. "Opo, Lola. I'll make sure to bring some pasalubong when I return." His eyes sparkled with kindness, and his genuine care for the community was evident in his every word.

The elderly woman beamed, her wrinkles deepening with the smile. "You always have such a good heart, Lars. Take care out there."

As Lars continued his walk, he exchanged similar greetings with other residents. His reputation as a caring and reliable member of the community preceded him, and his presence brought a sense of comfort to those around him. Despite the hardships of living in the slums, Lars maintained a positive outlook, always finding ways to help others.

Reaching the edge of the neighborhood, Lars reflected on his purpose. Working for the GPO, he was tasked with dismantling the metal frames of alien structures that could be used as Earth's own airships and defensive structures. It was a job that required precision, intelligence and a deep understanding of alien technology. But to Lars, it was more than just a job—it was a way to protect the people he cared about and ensure a safer world for the greater good.

As he arrived at a particularly large alien crash site in Manila, Lars met up with his colleague Ace. The twisted remains of a colossal spaceship loomed ominously, casting a long shadow over the city. Ace adjusted his protective gear, casting wary glances at the wreckage.

"This thing gives me the creeps," Ace muttered. "You sure it's safe to go in, Lars?"

Lars nodded, his expression calm and confident. "I've studied the schematics. We're only dismantling the metal frames, so it should be straightforward. Like taking apart a complex puzzle." His tone carried a hint of judgment, reflecting his disdain for those who questioned his methods.

Venturing into the alien ship, they were greeted by the dim interior humming with latent energy. Lars moved with precision, his every action calculated. He was more than a demolition man—he was a thinker, always three steps ahead. His mind buzzed with possibilities and contingencies, each decision rooted in a profound understanding of both the technology and the potential consequences.

"Ace, over there," Lars pointed to a particularly large metal frame, surrounded by intricate alien machinery. "That's our target for today."

Ace hesitated, then complied, trusting Lars's judgment. As they worked, Lars felt a sense of righteous purpose. His work was crucial in maintaining global safety, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that those in power often turned a blind eye to the ones that needed help the most, focusing instead on political games and personal gain.

"You know," Lars remarked with a touch of cynicism, "sometimes, I think we're just doing this for nothing. I mean, when this part of the alien ship is disposed of, it will be reused as our own airships for some so-called defense program. And that airship itself won't even be reliable! It will only make the project consume more money from our taxes, and we won't be able to use it to its full potential."

Ace glanced up, sensing the depth of Lars's conviction. "Yeah, but someone's gotta do it, right? Keep the world from falling apart."

Lars nodded, but his thoughts lingered on the broader picture. His intelligence and wisdom often led him to question the very system he worked for. He saw the flaws, the corruption, and the hypocrisy that marred the organization's noble goals. It was this awareness that fueled his determination to take matters into his own hands when the time came.

As they finished the dismantling, a faint glow caught Lars's eye. Hidden beneath layers of alien metal was a small, unassuming stone. Drawn to it, he reached out, feeling an inexplicable connection. He was thinking of selling it for a high price when he needs a little bit of extra cash when the time comes, little did he know, this stone would unlock powers within him that would set him on a collision course with the very organization he once served and with the world.

Stepping back into the bright Manila sun, Lars pocketed the stone, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Let's wrap this up. We're done in this section."

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Later that day, Lars found himself on a packed bus, heading home. The vehicle was crowded, with people jostling for space. Lars managed to find a seat by the window, watching the city pass by in a blur. At one of the stops, more passengers boarded the bus, filling every available inch of space. Among them were women, children, and elderly individuals left standing as no one offered their seats.

Lars noticed a pregnant woman struggling to keep her balance. Without hesitation, he stood up and offered her his seat. "Ate, please take my seat," he said with a warm smile. The woman gratefully accepted, and Lars watched as others, inspired by his gesture, began to offer their seats to those in need.

As he stood, holding onto a handrail, Lars couldn't help but think, "If I hadn't done it, would anyone have given up their seats?" The thought left him a little pissed off, but it also reinforced his determination to lead by example and make a difference, no matter how small.

When the bus finally reached his stop, Lars hopped off and walked towards a small bakery at the corner of the street. The warm, inviting smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. He bought a variety of bread to bring as pasalubong and then headed towards the elderly woman's house.

"Good evening po, Lola," Lars greeted as he handed her the bread. Her eyes lit up with gratitude.

"Thank you, hijo. You're always so thoughtful," she said, patting his arm.

Some of his neighbors were gathered nearby, enjoying a few drinks and chatting. They called out to Lars, inviting him to join them. He hesitated for a moment but then decided to stay for a while. It was good to unwind and connect with his community.

Lars shared a few drinks with his neighbors, recounting stories from work. "You wouldn't believe the size of that ship we dismantled today," he said, gesturing animatedly. "It was massive, but we got the job done."

The conversation flowed easily, and laughter filled the air. After some time, Lars bid them farewell and headed home. As he walked through the door, he found Lisa hunched over her textbooks, diligently working on her assignments.

"Hey there, panget," Lars greeted, ruffling her hair. "How's the homework coming along?"

Lisa looked up, a playful pout on her face. "It's so boring, Kuya. Why do we have to learn all this stuff anyway?"

Lars chuckled as he made his way to the kitchen, starting to cook rice, hotdogs, and eggs for their dinner. "Because education is important. It helps you understand the world and gives you the tools to make you a slave."

Lisa sighed dramatically, "But it's so hard! I wish I could just skip to being a genius like you."

"Well, genius or not, everyone has to put in the effort," Lars said, his tone a mix of teasing and encouragement. "Besides, you're smart in your own way. Stop complaining."

Dinner was ready in no time, and they sat down to eat together. Lisa continued to grumble playfully about her homework, while Lars offered advice and support. It was moments like these that reminded Lars of why he worked so hard. Everything he did was for them after their parents died.

As the night wore on, the siblings shared laughter and stories, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. For Lars, it was a reminder that even amidst the chaos of the world, there were still moments of peace and happiness to hold on to.