The warehouse was unusually quiet that night. The hum of cheap fluorescent lights echoed off the metal walls, mixing with the distant rumble of Manila traffic. Rafael sat on a wooden stool, sipping instant coffee while reviewing the Codex's projections.
"Probability of intimidation attempt within 24 hours: 91%."
He frowned. "So soon, huh?"
The Codex responded with its usual calm tone:
"Recommendation: Prepare defensive leverage. Record evidence. Do not engage recklessly."
Rafael slipped his cheap phone into recording mode and tucked it into his jacket pocket. He didn't know exactly what HydraCorp would send—but he was certain it wouldn't be friendly.
Around midnight, the sound of a tricycle engine cut through the silence. Then another. Then the growl of a motorcycle.
Rafael tensed as three men entered the warehouse yard. Tattoos snaked up their arms, their eyes gleaming with the kind of arrogance that came from knowing people were paid not to question them.
"Yo, boss," the leader called, voice dripping with mock politeness. "You the one running AquaPure?"
Rafael didn't flinch. "That's right. What can I do for you?"
The man chuckled, stepping closer. "Word on the street is you're getting too ambitious. See, there are… people who don't like competition. They sent us to explain."
He gestured, and one of his men casually kicked over a box of AquaPure filters. Plastic and cardboard scattered across the floor.
"Nice little setup you got here," the thug sneered. "Would be a shame if something happened to it."
Rafael's heart pounded, but his face remained calm. The Codex flickered in his vision:
"Intimidation detected. Counter-strategy available."
He spoke evenly. "Funny thing. I've been testing out new models lately. Lab-certified. Government-approved. In fact…" He tapped his jacket pocket, where his phone was recording every word. "…I've been documenting everything. Just in case something happens to me, or my company."
The leader froze for a split second. His eyes flickered to the phone-shaped bulge in Rafael's pocket. He wasn't an idiot—he knew evidence like that could travel fast, especially if leaked online.
Rafael leaned forward slightly. "Tell your bosses this: I'm not afraid of competition. If they want a fight, I'll give them one. But if they want to play dirty… I've already got proof."
For a long moment, the warehouse was silent except for the distant hum of traffic.
Then, with a sharp whistle, the leader waved his men back. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But don't get cocky. A phone won't save you forever."
They climbed back onto their tricycles and motorcycle, engines roaring as they disappeared into the night.
Rafael exhaled slowly, his hands finally trembling now that he was alone. He opened the Codex.
"Result: Host survived intimidation attempt. Threat temporarily withdrawn. Probability of future escalation: 72%."
Rafael sank into his stool, staring at the scattered AquaPure boxes. HydraCorp wasn't just a competitor—they were a predator.
But he wasn't prey anymore.
He whispered to himself, eyes hard as steel:"Let them come. I've got the Codex."