Assassin's Creed: Conquest is a Tagalog and English story published through Wattpad which is the first part of the series called Assassin's Creed: Pearl of the East. The story focuses on the protagonist Andrew Janea, a Filipino Assassin who abducted by the Filipino Templar in the year 2020 as he relives the memories of his ancestor Habagat, a Visayan Assassin and mighty warrior of Opong in Mactan Island, along with his mentor Datu Lapu-Lapu. Together, they fight and protect the Opong against the Spanish Templars.
Summary[]
Chapter 1: The Rise of the Warrior[]
In the year 2020, a man named Andrew wakes up disoriented in a hospital-like environment, only to realize he is restrained and paralyzed. He recalls being attacked the previous day and finds himself in a mysterious facility called the Abstergo Foundation in Manila. Dr. Vedasto Driz Ibarra, a researcher and scientist, explains that Andrew, now referred to as Subject 26, is part of an experiment to find his ancestor through a machine called the Animus. Dr. Ibarra threatens Andrew with harm to his family to ensure his cooperation.
Subject 26 (Andrew) is placed into the Animus, a device that allows him to experience the lives of his ancestors. Initially, he finds himself in the Isu Era, an ancient civilization with advanced technology, where humans were created by the Isu and eventually rebelled against their oppressive creators. The Isu used powerful artifacts known as "Pieces of Eden" to control humanity, but humans, led by hybrids Adam and Eve, fought back. The war was interrupted by a catastrophic solar event, the "Great Catastrophe," which nearly wiped out both species.
Andrew then experiences the life of his ancestor in the 12th century, witnessing the arrival of the Malay people in the Philippines and their interactions with the Isu remnants. He learns about a hidden city called Biringan, which holds a Piece of Eden entrusted to the people by the Isu god Bathala.
Next, Andrew is transported to 1521, during the conflict between the Spanish and the indigenous people of the Philippines. He becomes Habagat, a warrior from Opong, who is involved in the historic battle where Ferdinand Magellan is killed. Andrew, as Habagat, relives the moments leading up to Magellan's death, questioning his own identity and actions.
The narrative shifts again to Habagat's early life. Born in 1501, he is initially weak and sickly, leading to a strained relationship with his father, Makisig, who wishes for a stronger son. Habagat's mother, Lakambini, is his primary source of support until her death. After her passing, Habagat trains rigorously to prove himself as a warrior. He encounters Lapu-Lapu, the newly appointed leader of Opong, who recognizes Habagat's determination and offers him specialized training.
Habagat undergoes various rigorous exercises, including mastering archery, surviving in the mountains, and learning martial arts and warfare tactics. His training culminates in a confrontation with a formidable warrior, Bagyo, from a neighboring village. Despite his initial hesitation and Bagyo's immense strength, Habagat uses his skills and wit to eventually gain the upper hand, earning respect and solidifying his place among the warriors of Opong.
Chapter 2: Forging Alliances and Unveiling Secrets[]
Bagyo, while extracting arrows from his body, witnesses Habagat standing calmly as Lapu-Lapu throws a spear for him to use. With encouragement from Lapu-Lapu, Habagat aims to strike Bagyo's face with the spear. As Bagyo charges with a machete, Habagat evades and leaps into the sunlight, blinding Bagyo momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Habagat hits Bagyo in the eye with the spear, causing him to stumble and ultimately winning the battle against the Pulipul warrior. Lapu-Lapu then declares Habagat a full-fledged warrior of Opong.
Habagat's father, Makisig, who had been observing the fight, leaves the celebration early. Seeking his father's approval, Habagat approaches him near the beach. Makisig expresses pride in Habagat and asks for forgiveness for past wrongs, recognizing his son's strength and dedication. Habagat forgives his father, marking the beginning of their reconciliation.
The chapter then shifts to a celebratory feast held by Lapu-Lapu's army to honor Habagat's bravery. Lapu-Lapu reveals that Habagat's training was unique, intended to prepare him for joining a special group of warriors known as Assassins, who operate in the shadows to serve the light and uphold free will.
Habagat accepts the invitation to join the Assassins, receiving their mark as a symbol of his new allegiance. Suddenly, there is a shift in the Animus, a device used to explore genetic memories. The scene transitions to Portugal in 1517, where Ferdinand Magellan seeks royal approval for his voyage to the Spice Islands. After being denied by the Portuguese king, Magellan approaches the Spanish King Charles I and sets sail in 1519 with five ships.
Magellan, along with Juan Sebastian Elcano and their crew, reach the Philippines in March 1521. They make initial contact with the natives on the island of Limasawa and successfully convert them to Christianity, establishing an alliance through a blood compact. They then proceed to Cebu, where they meet Rajah Humabon. To prove their strength, a wrestling match is held between a Spanish general and a native warrior, Bak-Olaw. The Spaniard wins, securing Humabon's acceptance of Christianity and an alliance with the Spaniards.
During the celebration, Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar documenting the expedition, is confronted by a mysterious man named Ignacio, who reveals himself as a Spanish Assassin. Ignacio explains the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, who seek to control the Pieces of Eden. This encounter hints at the deeper, hidden motives behind the historical events.
Chapter 3: The Awakening of Secrets[]
Ignacio shares more details about the piece of Eden and the ongoing war between the Assassins and the Templars. Initially skeptical, Antonio begins to believe Ignacio's stories after learning about the origins of the piece of Eden, currently held by the Spaniards in a Santo Niño statue.
Ignacio reveals his mission to retrieve the Apple of Eden and confides in Antonio because he senses Antonio's disapproval of the Spaniards' plans. Ignacio has been observing Antonio since their journey from Sevilla. Despite Antonio's confusion and mistrust, he decides to discover the truth about the Santo Niño.
Days later, Ignacio receives a message from Antonio, detailing a conversation between Rajah Humabon, Juan, Ferdinand, and General Joaquin. With an alliance forming between the Spaniards and the locals, Ignacio plans to find other natives to aid in preventing the Spanish conquest of Sugbu. He continues to watch Antonio and Magellan's movements as they prepare to visit Mactan to forge an alliance with Datu Lapu-Lapu and Datu Zula.
On April 10, 1521, Lapu-Lapu's group, including Habagat, sets sail for Samar to find a legendary weapon, the Golden Kampilan. They believe it resides in the mystical city of Biringan. As they arrive, they are astonished by the city's unique infrastructure and learn about its ties to their deity, Bathala. Despite their wonder, they must remain cautious due to the city's deceptive nature.
Upon exploring Biringan, they encounter strange warriors who attack them with arrows. Lapu-Lapu devises a plan to outwit their attackers, allowing his men to hide. They escape lava flows and reach a monument of Bathala, where they are surrounded by more warriors led by Sarimayon. Recognizing a prophecy about visitors from outside the city, Sarimayon takes them to Apo Magyan, Biringan's leader.
Apo Magyan narrates the history of the Isu, ancient beings who created artifacts like the pieces of Eden. He explains their dominance over humans and the eventual rebellion that led to the creation of these powerful artifacts. However, the Animus, a device used by Abstergo to access historical memories, desynchronizes, interrupting the narrative.
Andrew, the subject in the Animus, is placed in a cell with other subjects. Disoriented, he struggles to understand his experiences and recalls his family. An inmate named Serafin, who claims to be part of the Assassins, befriends Andrew. Serafin explains the Templars' goal to control humanity using the pieces of Eden and urges Andrew to help him escape.
Andrew remains undecided, needing time to process his revelations. As days pass, he notices inmates communicating through sign language, hinting at an escape plan. After a failed escape attempt by some inmates, Andrew contemplates joining their efforts to break free from Abstergo.
Chapter 4: The Test of Worthiness: The Battle for the Golden Kampilan[]
Serafin observes the inmates who seem to be up to something. He suspects they might be planning an escape, but their actions are premature and ultimately result in them being caught. The conversation among the inmates reveals a deeper, more strategic plan that involves creating chaos within the facility, possibly leading to a major conflict.
The following day, Andrew is taken by the guards back to the Animus project, where he interacts with a doctor. The doctor reveals that Andrew is the only successful synchronization subject, which is why he continues to be used in their experiments. The doctor dismisses the other inmates as useless but keeps them because they know too much about Abstergo.
Andrew is once again plunged into the scenario of Biringan, searching for the Golden Kampilan. Apo Magyan recounts the history of the Isu and humans, their conflicts, and the creation of hybrids like Adam and Eve, who eventually led a rebellion against the Isu using the Pieces of Eden. The story shifts to the city of Biringan, ruled by the Isu Bathala, who wielded the Golden Kampilan. Despite Bathala’s relatively fair rule, the humans' rebellion led to a devastating war that nearly wiped out both species.
In the 12th century, Malay ancestors, including Datu Pati and Datu Sumakwel, arrived at Biringan, serving as guardians of the Kampilan. Lapu-Lapu grows impatient with Apo’s story and demands to know the Kampilan's location. Apo leads them to a temple, where they encounter a changing and ominous sky. As they approach, they are attacked, revealing that Apo’s group was testing Lapu-Lapu’s worthiness through combat.
A fierce battle ensues between Lapu-Lapu's forces and the warriors of Biringan. Despite being outnumbered, Lapu-Lapu and his warriors fight valiantly. Habagat, one of Lapu-Lapu’s skilled warriors, devises a strategy to overcome the archers. However, they are ambushed by additional enemy forces. Lapu-Lapu and Habagat demonstrate their combat prowess, but the battle takes a toll on them.
Habagat faces Apo Magyan in a one-on-one duel, displaying his martial skills. Despite initially struggling, Habagat impresses Apo with his resilience. The duel is intense, but Habagat eventually succumbs to a powerful blow from Apo. Lapu-Lapu intervenes, challenging Apo himself. After a grueling fight, Lapu-Lapu defeats Apo, but the conflict is far from over as treachery and additional threats emerge.
As Lapu-Lapu tries to help the fallen Habagat, Apo seizes an opportunity to restrain Lapu-Lapu, nearly choking him. However, Habagat regains consciousness and, with the help of Talim, another skilled archer, manages to turn the tide. Habagat ultimately kills Apo, leading to a brief moment of introspection in the Animus’s Memory Corridor, a feature used by Abstergo to gather additional information from the memories of those they study.
Chapter 5: The Prophecy Unveiled[]
Habagat finds himself in a place called the Memory Corridor, standing over his first victim, Apo Magyan, with his Hidden Blade. Apo, on the verge of death, reveals that his attack was to fulfill a prophecy and ensure Habagat and his companions were the prophesied ones, even if it cost him his life. Despite his many killings, Apo did not intend to harm Habagat’s group specifically. After Apo's death, Lapu-Lapu reassures Habagat, who is visibly shaken from killing a noble warrior for the first time, and they prepare to leave.
As Apo Magyan’s troops retreat, one of his injured soldiers, Bantog, is captured and questioned by Lapu-Lapu’s men. Bantog reveals the location of a magical weapon called the Kampilan but explains it requires a sacrificial offering to be revealed. Lapu-Lapu decides to use Bantog as the sacrifice, but Habagat intervenes, offering his own ring finger instead. This act of self-sacrifice summons a mystical woman who confirms Habagat as the prophesied warrior and leads them to a hidden place called Maharlika, home to the Isu, a superior race.
Upon entering Maharlika, the group encounters a surreal scenario where time seems to stop, and Habagat hears the voice of Bathala, the leader of the Isu. Bathala tests Habagat, questioning his intentions for the Kampilan. Bathala recounts a past war between humans and Isu, where he met a human named Janus who saved his life and was entrusted with the Kampilan. Bathala shares that the Kampilan holds extraordinary powers, including the ability to glimpse the future and counter another Eden Piece, the Fruit of Eden, which can control minds.
When Habagat takes the Kampilan, he is transported into the Memory Corridor again, witnessing historical betrayals and executions, deepening his resolve to protect his people from future treachery. Bathala warns him about the responsibilities and dangers of wielding the Kampilan before disappearing. The chapter concludes with the group returning to Opong, capturing a Spanish Assassin named Ignacio, who is shocked to see the Kampilan in Habagat’s possession.
Chapter 6: The Forewarning of Shadows[]
On April 24, 2020, Lapu-Lapu and his forces safely returned to Opong with their new member, Bantog. Upon their arrival, they discovered that a foreigner from Sugbu, Ignacio, a Spanish Assassin, had been captured for entering without permission. Lapu-Lapu decided to interrogate Ignacio, who revealed his mission: warning them of an impending invasion by foreign forces similar to him.
Ignacio explained, in Malay, that he was not an enemy and that their land was in danger from invaders like him. Despite initial suspicion, Ignacio proved his allegiance by showing his Assassin’s credentials. He warned that a group called the Templars, bearing a powerful artifact called the Apple of Eden, intended to conquer their land. This artifact could control minds, and the only counter was the Sword of Eden, which Lapu-Lapu possessed.
Ignacio revealed that the sword came from Biringan, gifted by their deity, Bathala, who Ignacio identified as part of an ancient race called the Isu. Habagat, a young warrior, was designated by Bathala to protect the sword. Despite his doubts, Habagat was told by Ignacio that he was destined to wield this powerful weapon.
The next day, a messenger from Rajah Humabon arrived, proposing an alliance with the Spanish led by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano, suggesting that all regions, including Mactan, allow Spanish entry. Lapu-Lapu firmly rejected this, leading to preparations for a forced invasion.
Meanwhile, Ignacio trained Habagat, upgrading his Hidden Blade and teaching him new techniques. Antonio Pigafetta, a Spanish chronicler, overheard Ferdinand and Juan's discussion about using the Apple of Eden to control Mactan. Fearing for Opong, Antonio sought to warn them but was intercepted by Spanish forces, leading to a desperate escape and eventual capture by local warriors.
Back in Sugbu, tensions rose as Ferdinand and Juan planned the invasion, leveraging support from Datu Zula, who harbored a grudge against Lapu-Lapu. The impending conflict was clear: a battle between the Spanish-Templar forces and the warriors of Opong. Antonio, having reached Opong, revealed the entire Spanish plan to Lapu-Lapu and Ignacio, solidifying their resolve to defend their land against the invaders.
Chapter 7: The Battle of Mactan: Clash of Empires and Legends[]
On the night of April 27, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his Spanish fleet, accompanied by Subgu warriors, sailed to the island of Mactan. Armed and armored, sixty men, including the Christian king, prince, leaders, and 20-30 balangays, reached Mactan three hours before dawn. They were met by Datu Lapu-Lapu's forces, who awaited the invaders on the shore. Magellan's group, hindered by rocky waters, waded through to the beach, facing a fierce and outnumbered resistance from over 1,500 native warriors led by Lapu-Lapu, Habagat, and Ignacio.
Despite the advanced weaponry of the Spaniards, they struggled against the strategically advantaged natives. Lapu-Lapu's tactics, including utilizing the terrain to hinder the heavily armored Spaniards, impressed Ignacio. General Joaquin of the Spaniards, however, posed a significant threat, defeating many natives effortlessly. Seeing this, Habagat impulsively rushed to assist, despite Lapu-Lapu's orders to wait.
The Spanish musketeers' attempts to retaliate were futile against the relentless native onslaught. As the battle intensified, Habagat's skill and determination shone through, but Joaquin's strength and experience proved challenging. Ignacio eventually intervened to save Habagat, revealing his true allegiance as a spy for the Assassins against the Templars.
Meanwhile, Magellan, refusing to surrender, unleashed the power of the Apple of Eden, causing native warriors to turn against Lapu-Lapu. Ignacio instructed Habagat to use the Golden Kampilan to counter the artifact's influence. The Kampilan's light broke the spell, but Magellan used the Eden's power to create clones of himself, confusing the natives.
Despite their efforts, Ignacio and Lapu-Lapu managed to discern and defeat the clones. As the battle seemed endless, reinforcements arrived from Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula, bolstering Magellan's forces. Recognizing the need to protect Lapu-Lapu and end the conflict swiftly, Habagat led a charge towards Rajah Humabon's ship.
Chapter 8: The Clash of Titans and the Unyielding Resolve[]
Habagat and his warriors confront the Spanish warships carrying Rajah Humabon of Sugbu and Datu Zula of Pilipul. Rajah Humabon questions Habagat about his allegiance to Datu Lapu-Lapu, leading to a tense exchange about the intentions of the Spanish colonizers. Habagat reveals that Antonio, a writer and insider, has confessed the Spaniards' plan to conquer the entire island, which makes Rajah Humabon reconsider his stance. Despite this, Rajah Humabon decides to fight, leading to a fierce battle between his forces and those of Habagat.
During the battle, Magellan fights relentlessly despite the odds against him. He wields the Apple of Eden, which grants him extraordinary power but is countered by Habagat's kampilan. The fight reaches a climax when Lapu-Lapu himself faces Magellan. Magellan attempts to use the Apple of Eden to immobilize Lapu-Lapu, but Lapu-Lapu resists and injures Magellan. Habagat intervenes and manages to kill Magellan, ending the conflict.
Following this, the narrative shifts to the modern-day Animus facility where Andrew, a descendant of Lapu-Lapu, is participating in the experiment. Due to a technical issue, the session is interrupted, and Andrew is removed from the machine. Dr. Ibarra expresses frustration over the malfunction, while Andrew, exhausted and overwhelmed by his experiences in the Animus, discusses his feelings with his fellow captive, Serafin.
Andrew learns about a leader of the Assassins, referred to as the Grandmaster, who is revealed to be a formidable woman named Chandra. Chandra, who knew Andrew's father Jericho Janea, tests Andrew's resolve and skills through a brief confrontation, ultimately acknowledging his determination to escape the facility and reunite with his family. Andrew's resolve to escape is solidified, and he begins planning his next move despite the challenges and high security of the facility.
Chapter 9: The Fall of Lapulapu and the Rise of New Leaders[]
Andrew returns to his cell to calm himself, frustrated with a woman he encountered, questioning her authority and attitude. Serafin follows him and admonishes Andrew for his behavior, reminding him that she is their grandmaster and deserving of respect. Andrew retorts that despite being humble, he was met with arrogance and cannot tolerate such people.
Their conversation shifts to Andrew's plans to escape the facility, driven by his need to save his family. Andrew seeks Serafin's help, outlining a risky plan involving distracting the guards by inciting a fight among the prisoners. Serafin is skeptical but eventually agrees, provided Andrew promises to help other assassins escape as well.
A guard interrupts them, summoning Andrew to Dr. Ibarra, causing Andrew to reluctantly comply. Back at the Animus facility, Andrew is prepared for another session to continue the project. The story progresses to post-battle Mactan, where Lapulapu's forces have defeated the Spaniards. Magellan's body is left behind, and the remaining Spanish soldiers retreat under Juan Sebastian Elcano.
The chapter depicts a time of celebration and gratitude among Lapulapu's people, highlighting key figures like Habagat and Ignacio. However, years later, treachery strikes as Lapulapu is attacked by his own soldiers wielding new firearms. Despite efforts to rescue him, Ignacio and Habagat find only bloodshed and Lapulapu's abducted body.
In the aftermath, a new leader, Mangubat, is appointed, and the community mourns Lapulapu's loss. Habagat, deeply affected, resolves to lead the warriors and becomes the new Grandmaster of the Visayan Brotherhood of Assassins. The chapter concludes with rising tensions as Rajah Humabon proposes an alliance, threatening war if refused, setting the stage for a looming conflict between Opong and Sugbu.
Chapter 10: The Spark of Rebellion[]
Dr. Ibarra, having returned, halts the Animus operation and announces a full inspection of the prisoners due to suspicions of an inside job. This announcement puzzles Andrew, who wonders what or who the doctor suspects. During a tense encounter, Dr. Ibarra throws a hot coffee cup at Andrew, which he catches but gets burned in the process. Despite the pain, Andrew remains stoic, but later, in his cell, he shows his vulnerability to his fellow prisoner, Serafin.
As the prisoners prepare for the inspection, Andrew and Serafin discuss potential plans for escape, realizing they might need help from others, like Chandra, a prisoner with a contentious history with Andrew. Chandra, confined in solitary, fakes an illness to overpower the guards and escape, only to be betrayed by a utility worker who turns out to be part of the security team. However, Chandra is rescued by Jose, a young assassin who helps her evade capture.
Meanwhile, the prisoners, including Andrew and Serafin, notice that the cell doors have opened, signaling a chaotic opportunity for escape. As they attempt to flee, they encounter guards and engage in combat, showcasing their skills despite initial doubts. The situation intensifies when more guards arrive with swords, forcing Andrew and Serafin to retreat.
A smoke grenade, thrown by an ally, creates a diversion, allowing Chandra and Jose to rejoin Andrew and Serafin. This unexpected alliance strengthens their resolve to escape the facility, setting the stage for a unified effort against the oppressive forces of Abstergo.
Chapter 11: Escape from the Hidden Dungeon[]
After the smoke grenade's haze dissipated, Chandra and Jose appeared before Andrew and Serafin, swiftly taking down all the guards they encountered. Serafin was awestruck and praised their prowess, but Chandra urged them to escape immediately, knowing the way out of the facility.
Andrew, confused about their assistance, questioned Chandra, who brusquely dismissed his query and led the way. As they fled, they searched for other Assassin comrades but found none. They continued until they stumbled upon a hidden warehouse not on the facility's map.
In this unexpected area, they heard strange noises, and lights revealed a large dungeon-like environment. Dr. Vedasto Ibarra appeared, mocking Chandra's resilience during solitary confinement and revealing his intent to eliminate them using AI robots resembling Assassins. These robots had ambushed Chandra's team a decade ago, leading to the death of Jericho, their comrade.
Chandra, both anxious and excited, prepared for battle. Andrew, realizing these robots were responsible for his father's death, charged at them in a rage but was quickly overpowered. Despite Serafin's desire to help, Chandra restrained him, recognizing the robots' strength.
Using his knowledge of the facility, Chandra found a hidden passage, and they retreated, navigating a narrow path to escape detection. They eventually found an unfamiliar exit and continued, wary of the AI robots pursuing them. The final confrontation was intense, with Chandra and the others utilizing their skills and intelligence to defeat the robots.
Although injured and exhausted, they managed to destroy the last of their robotic enemies. With renewed determination, they sought an exit, finding it and emerging into the fresh air and sunlight. Despite their temporary safety, Chandra reminded them that their fight was far from over, as they steeled themselves for the battles yet to come.