The

Murud
Reaper
 Prologue
Part 1
In the annals of history, there are moments when the tides of fate take unexpected
turns, altering the destinies of nations and shaping the course of their futures. Such was
the case in the realm of the Philippines, a land known for its rich cultural heritage and
storied past. In the year 1899, the Battle of Manila unfolded, and a divergence from the
known path of events occurred. As the Filipino forces clashed with the American troops,
an extraordinary turn of events unfolded on the blood-soaked battlefield. Against all
odds, the Filipinos emerged victorious, dealing heavy losses to the American forces.

The Americans, their morale shattered, found themselves at a disadvantage, while the
Filipinos, led by the indomitable General Antonio Luna, capitalized on their advantage
with a surprise assault on the Americans' vital supply lines. Chaos reigned in the
American camp, and victory upon victory ensued for the Philippine Armed Militia. The
Americans, in retreat, sought refuge within the safety of the bay, bombarding the city
they once occupied: Manila.

Realizing the strategic importance of fortification, General Antonio Luna ordered the
city, particularly the district of Tondo, to be heavily fortified. Little did he know that his
foresight would prove instrumental in the face of an impending amphibious assault by
the American forces. In a daring display of Filipino defense, the assault turned into a
massacre as the Americans failed to establish a beachhead in Tondo, met with the
ferocity and determination of the defenders. The captured American cannons from the
earlier Battle of Manila further amplified the Filipino advantage, rendering the
American ships within range helpless.

The decimation of the American forces led to a ceasefire declared by the American
generals a week later. However, General Antonio Luna, driven by a desire to secure the
Philippines' position and display the nation's strength, ordered a daring and audacious
mission. Macario Sakay, along with 14 other brave volunteers, embarked on a covert
operation. Under the cover of the night's thick fog, they navigated their rafts toward the
unsuspecting American warships in Manila Bay.

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 Armed with sticky makeshift bombs, they struck with precision, penetrating the
American steel hulls. As the night of March 29th, 1899, gave way to the rising sun,
deafening explosions reverberated across the bay. The aftermath was devastating. The
once-formidable 15-ship formation was reduced to a mere fraction of its former strength.
Ships sank, and bodies, including those of three American generals—Elwell Stephen
Otis, Arthur MacArthur Junior, and Jacob Hurb Smith—floated amidst the debris. The
destruction of the American Pacific Fleet was an unimaginable blow, leading to their
surrender and subsequent payment of war reparations. The United States, with its island
colonies now vulnerable, recognized the rise of regional power in the Philippines. From
these ashes of conflict, a new era emerged. The Filipinos' victory at the Battle of Manila
propelled the nation onto a trajectory unparalleled in its history. Gregorio Del Pilar,
known as "The Boy General" during the war, rose through the ranks to become a
prominent figure in the nation's leadership. His exploits and diplomatic endeavors earned
him the reputation of a destined ruler.

In the year 1910, Gregorio Del Pilar was elected as the President of the Philippines.
His presidency witnessed a remarkable transformation of the nation. With an unwavering
focus on development and innovation, the Philippines thrived, becoming one of the
world's leading exporters of machinery, canned goods, and ingenuity. The country
became a shining beacon of craftsmanship, engineering prowess, and literary excellence,
attracting global recognition and admiration.

As the world convulsed in the throes of the First World War, the Philippines remained
neutral, capitalizing on the conflict to further bolster its economic prowess. Exporting
millions of tons of goods, including canned produce, rubber, oil, and machinery, the
nation solidified its position as the largest economy in Asia. However, this
unprecedented growth came at a price. The once-abundant raw materials within the
archipelago were gradually depleted, challenging the very foundation of the nation's
industrial might.

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 In the year 1918, a fateful incident occurred off the coast of Sangihe Island in the
Dutch East Indies that would ignite a new and darker chapter in Philippine history. The
Philippine Freighter, carrying vital cargo and personnel, was sunk by a Dutch warship.
This act of aggression provided the Philippines with a justification to declare war on
the Dutch, leading to the outbreak of the First Dutch-Filipino War.

With the sinking of their vessel and the loss of innocent lives, the Filipino people
were inflamed with a sense of righteous indignation. President Gregorio Del Pilar, fully
aware of the need to protect the nation's interests, swiftly declared war on the
Netherlands. The Filipino forces, battle-hardened from their previous conflicts,
launched a series of military campaigns aimed at reclaiming the small islands that were
previously under Dutch control.

The Philippine invasion was swift and decisive. Island after island fell to the
advancing Filipino troops, who were determined to secure their sovereignty and
avenge their fallen compatriots. Morotai, Maluku, Bakan, Mandioli, Kasiruta, Muari,
Obi, Obiatu, Asher Riza, Damer, Buru, Muna, Buton, and many more islands became
the battlegrounds where Filipino soldiers displayed their bravery and resilience. The
war lasted for two years and five months, with both sides suffering significant
casualties. The fierce determination of the Filipino forces, combined with their
strategic maneuvers and superior experience in the jungles, proved to be crucial factors
in their ultimate victory. The First Dutch-Filipino War came to an end with the signing
of a peace treaty, which solidified the Philippines' control over the captured islands.

President Gregorio Del Pilar, having successfully defended the nation's honor and
expanded its territorial reach, and subsequently solved the nation’s Raw Material
problem, earned the admiration and support of the Filipino people. He was reelected
for another term, allowing him to continue his visionary leadership and shape the
destiny of the Philippines.

[End of Prologue - Part 1]

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 Prologue
Part 2
During his second term, President Gregorio Del Pilar focused on strengthening the
Philippine industrial and military sectors. Recognizing the growing tensions in the
Pacific region, particularly with the rise of an expansionist Japan, he spearheaded the
Philippine Mass Militarization Project (PMMP). This ambitious endeavor aimed to
transform the Philippine armed forces and navy into a formidable military power capable
of defending the nation's sovereignty and projecting its influence in the Pacific region
and other parts of the world.

Under the PMMP, the Philippine military experienced unprecedented growth. The once
modest army of 320,000 personnel expanded rapidly to an impressive force of 800,000
within a span of just seven years. This surge in military manpower was made possible by
the remarkable population growth the country had experienced since the turn of the
century.

Rapid technological advancements propelled the Philippine Republic forward,

equipping its armed forces with superior armored vehicles, landing crafts, and advanced
aircraft. While Japan had Mitsubishi, the Philippines boasted its own technological
prowess through the WALO (Weapons and Aircraft Logistics Organization), responsible
for developing cutting-edge tanks and aircraft that outclassed their Japanese
counterparts.

In support of the military's needs, the Tondo Ordnance and Munitions Corporation
emerged as a leading supplier of essential tools and weapons. Their contributions
ensured that the Philippine Armed Forces (PAF) remained well-equipped for potential
conflicts.

By 1928, a wave of dissent brewed against the Goyo Administration, stemming from
the purge conducted on the Indies in the Filipino-occupied islands during the first Dutch-
Filipino war. Despite a nascent revolution, President Gregorio Del Pilar, fearing further
uprisings, declared the first-ever national lockdown, curtailing freedom of speech and
other liberties.

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 Surprisingly, instead of provoking anger and resentment, the Filipino people accepted
the Proclaimed Dictatorship of Gregorio Del Pilar, as the people knew how great his
contributions are to the Philippines. In a symbolic gesture of transformation, Gregorio
Del Pilar declared the 1st Philippine Republic abolished, giving rise to the 2nd Philippine
Republic—the Supreme Philippine Republic. The nation basked in a period of true peace,
becoming a beacon of hope for colonized regions throughout Asia, including the British
Raj, French Indochina, and British Malaya.

However, not everyone regarded the Supreme Philippine Republic favorably. Among
those who saw it as an imperialistic nation ruled by a tyrant was Tobias Mileyi
Hasibuean, a native of the previously Dutch-occupied Island of Asher Riza. Tobias,
having lost his mother and two sisters in the purge conducted by the Philippine Army
(PHA) when he was only Thirteen, managed to escape with the help of his uncle, an Anti-
Dutch Rebel. Tragically, Tobias's uncle perished in a battle against the Dutch Colonial
Military in 1929. At Twenty-three years old, Tobias assumed leadership of the rebellion,
fueling his desire for revenge. It was under his guidance that the rebellion executed
"Tob's Stupid Plan" in 1929, disguising themselves as Dutch soldiers to attack a Filipino
camp and incite a war between the two nations.

The plan succeeded, leading to the declaration of the Second Dutch-Filipino War by the
Supreme Philippine Republic in the same year. Over the course of one year and four
months, the Supreme Philippine Army achieved significant victories, seizing islands and
provinces, including parts of Borneo. As the conflict escalated, the might of the Supreme
Philippine Navy was showcased. The Manila-Class battleships, including SPN Manila,
Cebu, Davao, and Baguio, armed with their formidable twin 16-inch guns, conducted a
devastating naval bombardment of the Dutch city of Palembang. Escorted by Maya-Class
Destroyers and Luzon-Class Cruisers, this display of power aimed to assert the presence
of two naval superpowers in the East: Japan and the Philippines. Emerging victorious, the
Supreme Philippine Republic compelled the Dutch to sign a peace treaty. President
Gregorio Del Pilar, however, declined the offer to claim Borneo, concerned about the
rebel groups residing on the island.

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 In 1932, recognizing the shared interests and regional power dynamics, the Supreme
Philippine Republic forged an alliance with the Empire of Japan. The partnership
between the two nations, the Supreme-Imperial Alliance, solidified their influence in the
Pacific and set the stage for future geopolitical shifts.

As the Philippines continued to shape its destiny, the world watched with both awe
and apprehension, uncertain of the consequences that would unfold in this era of
Philippine ascendancy and its alliance with Japan.

[End of Prologue - Part 2]

SPN Pangasinan
1931

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 Prologue
Part 3
With the formation of the Supreme-Imperial Alliance (SIA) in 1932, the world
watched with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The alliance between the Philippines
and Japan sent ripples of concern throughout the international community, particularly
for nations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Sensing the need for
collective security, the USA and UK, along with several other countries, established the
World United Coalition (WUC) in 1933, following the rise of the Nazi German State.

The WUC swiftly gained momentum as more nations joined its ranks. In 1934, France
aligned itself with the coalition, and soon after, countries such as the Republic of China,
Australia, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Mexico,
Canada, Yugoslavia, and others followed suit. The primary objective of the WUC was to
protect and preserve world peace, with its world representative, Richard Reid Dobell,
stating, "The World United Coalition exists solely to preserve world peace.“

The WUC emerged as a successor to the League of Nations, which had been formed
in 1922 but disbanded in 1927 due to its limitations. However, despite the formation of
these alliances, the Latin American nations of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia,
Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador chose to establish their
own regional alliance known as the Latin League. The Latin League aimed to isolate the
region from global conflicts and prevent external interference in South American affairs.

Despite the collective desire for peace, the world was not immune to the forces of
greed and aggression. On September 1, 1939, the skies over Warsaw darkened as the
Luftwaffe unleashed a devastating aerial assault. The payload dropped on the city sent
shockwaves across the globe, signaling the beginning of World War II.

[End of Prologue - Part 3]

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8
CHAPTER 1 : THE COUNCIL
The evening air was heavy with anticipation as the esteemed members of the war
council gathered around the Oval Table in the Malacañang Palace. It had been months
since they last convened, but the urgency of the situation had brought them together
once again. At the head of the table, Supreme Dictator Gregorio "Goyo" Del Pilar, with
an air of authority, addressed his comrades.

"Good evening, my trusty friends," Goyo began. "I have summoned you all because the
Japanese Emperor has sent me a telegram of utmost importance.“

Secretary Mendel Hernandez stepped forward, holding the telegram in his hands. He
cleared his throat and began reading aloud.

"My dear friend and ally, the Kido Butai has been assembled and is only waiting for
your decision to join the attack. If not, they shall set sail for Pearl Harbor to destroy the
American Fleet.“

A collective murmur of anticipation rippled through the room as Goyo's words sank in.
The magnitude of the decision before them weighed heavily on their minds. Goyo
turned his gaze toward Admiral Gabriel Salumbati Salvador, seeking his counsel.

Gabriel, known as the "Sea Devil," spoke with conviction. "That has been our plan ever
since Germany ignited the flames of war. Our desire for expansion will be hindered if
we allow the American ships to sail freely. A war with the United States is a war with its
allies. The first carrier group will also attack Singapore, while the second carrier group
will strike at Perth.“

But Aleahh Isabell Victoria, the Intelligence Division Commander, raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't that excessive? Intelligence suggests that there aren't even significant ships in
Perth.“

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Theodores Marqes, the Economic Section Commander, silenced the room with a
dismissive gesture. "Hush, Aleahh. I expected better from you. Perth houses a large
civilian aircraft manufacturing factory, which could pose a threat to our war effort once
it’s turned into a war factory.“

Aleahh's expression remained defiant, but Goyo intervened before a dispute could
escalate. "That's enough from both of you," he commanded, his voice authoritative.
"Gabriel, I commend you for your foresight.“

Air Marshall Secore "Minudo" Realonda, the youngest and most promising figure in the
Republic, chimed in. "As expected of the Sea Devil. A war plan must be established. In
the first phase, we should aim to gain control over the entire Southeast Asian ocean. Our
WALO Wa-44 Long-Range Dive Bombers stationed in Basilan can reach Singapore,
and with the assistance of the Intelligence Division, we can neutralize any enemy ships
without endangering our own fleet, which will be crucial in escorting our forces from
island to island.“

Aleahh, begrudgingly impressed by Secore's strategic thinking, conceded. "You are

indeed a brilliant Air Marshall. If the Dictador approves of this first phase, the
Intelligence Division is at your service.“

Pablo Del Pilar, Goyo's calm-headed brother, added his support. "Well done, kid.
Brother, I also endorse this plan for the first phase.“

Goyo chuckled. "Haha! Is there anyone here who objects to the 'kid's' idea?" he asked,
scanning the room. "No one? Then let it be known and done. As the Dictator, I decree
that we shall destroy those ships!“

The council members began to disperse, exiting the Oval Palace to set their plans in
motion. In the privacy of his office, Goyo instructed his secretary, Mendel, to draft a
reply to the Japanese Emperor.

"The die has been cast, my friend. The SPN Carrier Pilipinas shall join the esteemed
Admiral Chūichi Nagumo, escorted by two destroyers," the Dictator dictated.

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Within half an hour, the telegram was dispatched to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, where
Emperor Shōwa eagerly awaited news. He rejoiced upon reading the contents and
immediately ordered the Generals to assemble for an Imperial Meeting.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, on the sandy beaches of Honolulu, a young

American soldier named Lewis Cathlok took a leisurely stroll, his gaze fixed on the
distant horizon. He noticed a shimmering light dancing upon the water's surface,
intriguing him enough to summon his friend and comrade, Careem Hower, a Navy
Ensign.

As the two soldiers observed the enigmatic light, Lewis shrugged nonchalantly. "Meh, if
it's ours, there's nothing to worry about. Thanks for pointing it out, bro.“

Careem, ready to retire to the barracks, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's getting late. I
should head back.“

Lewis waved him off. "Alright, man. I'll stay here a bit longer.“

As Careem departed, Lewis remained fixated on the fading shimmer in the distance.
Little did he know that the light belonged to a Type B1 submarine of the Imperial
Japanese Navy, embarking on a reconnaissance mission.

Lost in thought, Lewis muttered to himself, "How strange... What could it really be?“

Back in the Philippines, at the Port of Manila, the mighty SPN Pilipinas towered above
the surrounding ships. Admiral Fernando Alegre stood proudly on the balcony of the
ship's bridge, his eyes scanning the bustling scene below. He was joined by Rear
Admiral Hernando Mabini, a childhood friend.

"After months in this port, Pilipinas will finally set sail again," Fernando declared, a
touch of sentimentality in his voice. "The pride of the Philippine navy, a ship built to
last for decades."
Hernando chuckled. "You're quite sentimental, Admiral.“

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Fernando playfully placed Hernando in a headlock. "Who are you calling Admiral, you
imbecile? I'm Fernando Alegre, your friend since birth!“

Hernando grunted, trying to free himself. "Well, what do you expect? I serve the people,
the flag, the Supreme Dictator, the ship, and you. Of course, I would call you Admiral.“

Fernando released his hold and punched Hernando lightly in the chest, his gaze fixed on
the starry sky. "And you're saying you'd address the people as Admiral? Haha!“

Hernando, rubbing his neck, retorted, "Obviously not, you lunatic! Now, let go of me.
My neck is hurting.“

Fernando grinned mischievously. "Get used to it, my friend. Now that you're under my
command, you'll experience this often, right, guys?“

He turned to the crew on the bridge, who fell silent at his question. They had
experienced Fernando's energetic headlocks many times before.

Hernando sighed, exasperated. "How did you even reach this position if all you think
about is fun?“

Fernando's eyes gleamed with excitement. "War is fun!“

Hernando shook his head, resigned. "Oh, God. I'll probably die before I even see the
Americans.“

Fernando's voice grew serious. "That won't happen, my friend. We'll sink them before
we even lay eyes on them.“

As Fernando released Hernando from the headlock, he clenched his fist and turned
towards the deck below, where the pilots of SPN Pilipinas were gathered, enjoying
drinks and camaraderie.
"Hey, pilots!" Fernando bellowed, his voice echoing through the ship. "Are you ready to
face the enemy?“

The pilots raised their glasses and responded in unison, their voices filled with
determination. "Yes, sir!“

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Fernando's face lit up with pride. "That's the spirit! Remember, we may not see the
enemy, but you will! The enemy we see, the enemy we sink!“

The pilots cheered, their resolve strengthened by their commander's words. Fernando
turned back to Hernando with a triumphant grin.

"You see, my friend," he said, pounding a fist against his chest, "our pilots will be the
eyes that guide us to victory. We trust in their skills and expertise.“

Hernando, still astounded by the transformation he witnessed in Fernando, couldn't help

but smile. "I never imagined you'd become such a charismatic leader, Fernando.“

Fernando chuckled, his tone filled with both pride and humility. "Sometimes, the
circumstances bring out unexpected qualities in us. We all have our roles to play in this
war, and I intend to fulfill mine with all my might.“

Hernando placed a hand on Fernando's shoulder, offering his support. "And I'll be right
beside you, my friend, every step of the way.“

The two friends shared a moment of camaraderie amidst the bustling preparations for
the upcoming mission. They knew that the days ahead would be fraught with danger,
but their faith in their comrades and their country burned brightly within their hearts.

In the distance, the silhouette of SPN Pilipinas stood tall, a symbol of the nation's
resolve. It would soon embark on a journey that would test the mettle of its crew.

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