The morning sun filtered weakly through the smog as Rafael sat at his desk, replaying the recording from the night before. The voices of the HydraCorp thugs echoed clearly:
"Would be a shame if something happened to it."
The Codex displayed glowing text:
"Evidence gathered: usable for legal defense, media leverage, or strategic intimidation. Recommend dissemination to maximize deterrence."
Rafael smirked. "So HydraCorp tried to scare me off. Let's see how they like it when I scare back."
He contacted a freelance journalist—someone known for exposing local corruption, always hungry for a scoop. With the Codex guiding his words, Rafael drafted a carefully edited version of the recording. Not enough to put himself in direct danger, but enough to raise questions.
By afternoon, a blog headline exploded online:
"Small Startup Threatened After Competing With HydraCorp – Corporate Sabotage?"
The post spread like wildfire across Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Twitter feeds. People shared it not because of AquaPure's name, but because it confirmed what many already believed: big corporations crushing small innovators.
The comments poured in:
"Typical HydraCorp. Always monopolizing."
"Protect local businesses! Support AquaPure!"
"If this is true, HydraCorp should be investigated."
Rafael leaned back in his chair, heart racing. The tide was shifting.
Meanwhile, in HydraCorp's Makati boardroom, the executives were livid.
"What do you mean it's all over social media?!" one snapped, slamming his hand on the table.
The sharp-eyed executive, the one overseeing the campaign, narrowed his eyes. "Someone leaked the intimidation attempt. Not enough to convict us, but enough to poison public opinion."
He stood slowly, voice cold. "This Rafael isn't just stubborn. He's clever. That makes him dangerous."
Back at AquaPure, Rafael's workers cheered as orders for straws doubled overnight. Relief groups, NGOs, and even local barangays were reaching out directly, eager to buy from the "startup underdog" standing up against corporate bullying.
Rafael allowed himself a rare smile. For once, being underestimated was working in his favor.
The Codex flickered again:
"Reputation boost achieved. Trust points gained. Market expansion probability: +34%. Danger level: escalating."
Rafael whispered under his breath, eyes sharp with determination."HydraCorp thinks they own the future. They're wrong. The Codex and I will build it—piece by piece."