ENIGMA: SERPENTS

CHAPTER 1: THE BEGINNING

CHAPTER 1

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the once-vibrant campus of Enigma University. The institution, formerly known as the Labyrinthine School, had become a shadow of its former self, a place where laughter had been replaced by whispers of fear and suspicion. Kiezer Levi Anastacio stood at the entrance, his heart a cold stone in his chest as he surveyed the grounds that had witnessed the most traumatic moment of his life.

1 month had passed since Lila's death, but the pain felt as fresh as the day it happened. The memory of her vibrant smile, her laughter echoing through the halls, was now tainted by the horror of that first day of senior year. Kiezer had watched helplessly as she was shot in the head, her life extinguished in an instant. The image haunted him, a relentless reminder of his failure to protect her.

But it wasn't just the loss of Lila that tormented him; it was the gnawing suspicion that her death was orchestrated by someone close to him. His father, Killian Zantetsu Anastacio, was a tyrant—a ruthless man who ruled over the criminal underworld with an iron fist. He was the boss of bosses, feared and respected by mafias across the country. Kiezer had always known that Killian was capable of unspeakable things, and the thought that he could be behind Lila's murder twisted in Kiezer's gut like a knife.

"Are you ready for this?" Kenzo's voice broke through Kiezer's dark thoughts. His younger brother stood beside him, concern etched on his face. Kenzo had always been the more grounded of the Anastacio brothers, but even he couldn't ignore the darkness that had enveloped Kiezer since Lila's death.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Kiezer replied, his voice devoid of warmth. He had spent the last five years cultivating a persona that masked his true self—a kind, nerdy facade that had allowed him to navigate the treacherous waters of high school and family expectations. But that mask had long since shattered. The boy who had once cared for Lila as a friend was gone, replaced by a man driven by vengeance and a thirst for justice.

As they entered the conference room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Killian sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding and intimidating. The walls were adorned with portraits of their ancestors, each one a reminder of the legacy they were meant to uphold. But for Kiezer, that legacy was tainted by blood and betrayal.

"Thank you for coming, sons," Killian began, his voice steady but laced with authority. "We have important matters to discuss regarding the family business."

Kiezer's jaw tightened. The family business was a front for their criminal empire, a web of deceit and manipulation that extended far beyond the university's walls. "What's the plan?" Kiezer asked, his tone sharp.

Killian's gaze flicked to him, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "We need to expand our influence. The competition is growing, and we can't afford to show weakness."

"Is that all you care about?" Kiezer shot back, his voice rising. "What about Lila? What about the people you've hurt to build this empire?"

Killian's expression hardened. "This is not the time for sentimentality, Kiezer. You need to focus on what matters—our family's legacy."

Kiezer felt a surge of anger. "Our legacy is built on blood, Father. And I won't be a part of it if it means turning a blind eye to what happened to Lila."

Kenzo placed a hand on Kiezer's shoulder, trying to calm him. "Let's not turn this into a fight. We can discuss the business and still look for answers."

But Kiezer was done pretending. The mask he had worn for so long felt suffocating, and he was ready to unleash the darkness that had been simmering beneath the surface. "I'm not interested in your business, Father. I'm interested in justice. And I will find out who killed Lila."

Killian's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in them. "You're playing a dangerous game, Kiezer. You have no idea what you're up against."

Kiezer met his father's gaze, unflinching. "I know exactly what I'm up against. And I'm not afraid."

As the meeting continued, Kiezer's mind raced with plans. He had turned the university into a hellish landscape, a place where fear reigned and whispers of his ruthlessness spread like wildfire. He had become a figure of dread, a shadow that loomed over the students who once thrived in the halls of the Labyrinthine School.

The tension in the conference room hung thick in the air, but Kiezer's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden swing of the door. Mori stepped in, his presence electrifying the atmosphere. Once Kiezer's closest friend, Mori had become a bitter reminder of everything that had gone wrong. His dark hair fell over his eyes, and his expression was a mix of anger and disdain.

"Look who it is," Mori sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The great Kiezer Levi Anastacio, the boy who couldn't save his friend. How's it feel to be a failure?"

Kiezer's fists clenched at his sides, the old wounds reopening at Mori's words. "What do you want, Mori?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "I'm not in the mood for your games."

Mori stepped closer, his eyes blazing with fury. "Games? Sa tingin mo laro 'to? Lila's dead because of you, Kiezer. You were supposed to protect her, and you failed. You let her die."

The accusation hung in the air like a noose, tightening around Kiezer's throat. He could feel the weight of Mori's words, the truth behind them cutting deeper than any blade. "I didn't pull the trigger," Kiezer shot back, his voice rising. "I wasn't the one who killed her."

"No, but you were the one who was supposed to be there!" Mori's voice cracked with emotion. "You were supposed to be her friend, and you let her down. You let us all down."

Nabasag ang pag-uusap nila nang may mag salita, "Shut the fuck up, you two. Pareho kayong tanga! Brother, look what I found out." Kierran handed an envelope. Curiosity flashed on Kiezer's face as he took the envelope from Kierran-the hacker of Anastacio Family.

Kinuha ni Kiezer ang papel at hindi nangiming binasa ang laman. Halos mapunit niya ang papel na kaniyang hawak dahil sa nabasa. Mori snatched the paper and read the intel. Mori's face darkened.

"See? Dumb fucks," Kierran hissed. "Mamamatay ka na lang nang hindi mo alam."

INTEL:

NAME: Lilianna Johannesburg
TITLE: Assassin
CODE NAME: Montana

COUNTRY: Europe
TEMPORARY ADDRESS: Shangrila, Pasig, Philippines

MISSION: CASE 76: Take down the eldest son of Killian Zantetsu Anastacio.

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