Assassin's Creed: Conquest is an on-going Tagalog novel series published by Wattpad. 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 2020, Andrew was abducted by the crew of Abstergo Foundation in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Vedasto Ibarra, a scientific researcher at the said Abstergo branch, used him to trace his ancestor named Habagat during the pre-Spanish colonization in the Philippines until the permanent Spanish settlement in the country (the 1500s - 1570s). This mad scientist ordered his men to arrest his family for forcing him to agree to his project. During the synchronization of the Animus, Andrew saw some glimpses such as Isu and humans, the first settlement of Malay people, and the discovery of the Sword of Eden called Gintong Kampilan (Golden Kampilan), and the partial event of the Battle of Mactan.
In 1501, Habagat was born to his father Makisig, an army commander of Opong, and his mother Lakambini, a merchant. He was a weak child, showing that he was not capable of being a warrior of his land. However, when his mother died in 1516, it encouraged him to become a warrior despite his weakness. The newly appointed leader of Opong, Datu Lapu-Lapu, saw his dedication and encouragement and asked him to join his army, but he underwent intense training for one year. He became a member of the Opong army when he defeated Bagyo, a warrior from Pilipul assigned by Datu Zula, to challenge him in 1517.
Chapter 2: Rising Secrets: History of Triumph and Transformation[]
After defeating Bagyo in freestyle fighting, Makisig finally recognized Habagat as a warrior of Opong and apologized for being a rude father to him. Afterward, they celebrated his victory and he became a new member of the Visayan Brotherhood of Assassins.
In 1517, in Portugal, Ferdinand Magellan was an explorer who sought an expedition to the Spice Islands by crossing the ocean to the west. He requested compensation from the Portuguese King Manuel I to explore the islands. However, they had a dispute with the king, so his request was not granted. Instead, he decided to go to King Charles of Spain to continue his expedition plan, and it was approved. He was accompanied by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastian de Elcano on five Spanish ships, namely Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Santiago, and Victoria. They carried Santo Niño (Child Christ) with the Apple of Eden, which was their weapon to facilitate their conquest of the place they were going.
On March 28, 1521, Magellan's group landed on the island of Limasawa, in the modern province of Southern Leyte. When they arrived on the island, some men hired them to trade, including a native named Panglimang Awang, known by the Spanish as Enrique of Malacca from Malaysia. He was the only one who could speak the Malay language to communicate the Spanish purpose to the people of Limasawa. They provided offerings such as porcelain as tribute to foreigners until they met its chief, Rajah Kulambo, and came to terms, agreeing on an alliance.
After three days, the first Christian mass took place on the island of Limasawa under the leadership of Father Pedro de Valderrama. Everyone in Limasawa, including Rajah Kulambo, converted to Christianity after the mass. They presented the Santo Niño or Christ Child as part of the mass ritual when it suddenly flashed with a powerful light that signaled Spanish control over the natives, as all who saw it would change their minds and become loyal to the Spaniards. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and chronicler, often recounted the events of Magellan's expedition in a book to provide information about the island they were on when they returned to Spain. Antonio had witnessed the change in people's thinking and behavior but could not understand why it happened, so the Santo Niño held by the Spaniards became a mystery to him.
On April 7, 1521, Magellan's group traveled again with Rajah Kulambo to Sugbu, the largest island adjacent to Limasawa, to befriend the same Rajah named Humabon. When Magellan's group and Rajah Humabon's group met, they presented their offerings. Humabon's group was amazed that they had just seen unique offerings from the time of the European Renaissance. They first talked in a hut to discuss important matters. They wanted to ally with Rajah Humabon, yet there was a challenging fight between a Spanish General Joaquin de Iglesias and the best warrior of Sugbu, Bak-Olaw, to test their exceptional abilities. If the Spanish won, Rajah Humabon would accept their request; otherwise, they would have to leave the island. The fight ended with a Spanish victory, and their condition was recognized.
Antonio continued writing about their journey while resting in a hut. A man suddenly entered his residence and attempted to shoot him with a peculiar knife attached to his wrist. Antonio noticed that his ring finger was cut off, and he had other weapons attached to his clothing. He introduced himself as Ignacio de Tierra, a Spanish Assassin descended from Aguilar de Nerha's group, and he had no intention of killing Antonio because he wanted to know their plan. Antonio agreed to find out their real plan after hearing Ignacio's story about the history between the Assassins and Templars.
Chapter 3: The Conflict Unveiled in Biringan[]
Antonio sent a letter to Ignacio regarding the Templars' plan in a few days. The letter states that the Magellan group will sail with Rajah Humabon to ally with Datu Zula and Datu Lapu-Lapu. Ignacio decided to go to the place they were heading to. He needs to inform the people immediately about their plan.
On April 10, 1521, on this day, Lapu-Lapu's group sailed with Habagat to Samar, one of the largest islands in this country, to find the legendary weapon they call the Golden Kampilan. Upon arriving in a city called Biringan, a mysterious place of unique technology and civilization, they explored and found their way to the hidden Kampilan. They met Apo Magyan at the camp of Biringan, where the warriors were located after going through the strange ordeal caused by the unnatural phenomenon. Apo recounted the first civilization, called the time of the Isu. They were known as intelligent beings and were more capable than humans. They looked like people, but they were bigger than humans and could foresee the future but only in the short term. Humans and Isu lived together until the Isu were attacked by humans for being abusive. The Isu created artifacts they called the Pieces of Eden to control them.
Suddenly, the Animus desynchronized due to an unknown malfunction. Dr. Ibarra first decided to postpone the project. Afterward, they locked Andrew in a room with other subjects. He met Serafin Jintalan Cabias, an Assassin, and spent a year as a prisoner in Abstergo, next to his bedroom. After a few days, the two learned that they were planning to escape from the other Assassins who had been detained here as they mingled in the canteen during lunch.
Chapter 4: Attack of Danger[]
Andrew and Serafin learned that some Assassin members were planning to flee from the facility, and they were immediately arrested by Abstergo personnel. This was just one of the Assassins' plans, so they wanted to see the entire facility. They made a real plan for the next week. The following day, Andrew returned to the Animus to continue synchronization and went back to the scene where they had a conversation with Apo Magyan regarding the previous civilization. Suddenly, Lapu-Lapu interrupted the conversation out of boredom and expressed a desire to find the Kampilan. Apo accompanied them to the area where the hidden weapon was located. In the middle of their journey, Habagat noticed that the sky had turned red, and he felt that something terrible was happening to them.
Apo Magyan confronted them and his soldiers as they rushed to kill Lapu-Lapu and his men. Lapu-Lapu's men fought in a defensive mode, but soon their battle formation weakened due to the continuous onslaught of arrows from their opponents. Habagat began to launch counter-attacks on the other side to disrupt the enemy's formation. Apo Magyan confronted Habagat when he was alone in the fight. Habagat was unable to defeat the aggressive Apo Magyan, and Lapu-Lapu helped him overcome the challenge. Even Lapu-Lapu found it challenging to defeat Apo, but Habagat seized an opportunity to stab him in the neck.
Chapter 5: The End of Darkness: Bathala's Revelation[]
Habagat entered a memory corridor after defeating Apo Magyan. He told the young assassin the truth behind the assault, confirming whether Lapu-Lapu and his army were the outsiders responsible for guarding the Golden Kampilan. Afterward, they proceeded to the location of the Golden Kampilan, based on information from the captive named Bantog, a warrior from Apo Magyan's group. Upon arrival, Lapu-Lapu decided to offer Bantog as a sacrifice to their god, Bathala, in order to summon him. However, Habagat disagreed and offered his left ring finger instead.
Suddenly, a gorgeous woman appeared to Habagat, asking if he was the warrior destined to become the new owner of the Golden Kampilan, as prophesied. They all followed the magical woman to a mysterious place called Maharlika, where the Isu race lived. At this point, Lapu-Lapu released Bantog to become Opong's warrior, and the captive expressed his gratitude. Upon reaching a large door and entering, Habagat was surprised to find that his companions were motionless, unable to speak. He couldn't understand what was happening until he heard a strange voice from afar. It was then that the great god of the Filipinos, Bathala, appeared to him.
Bathala's behavior was perplexing during his conversation with Habagat, catching the young assassin off guard. Bathala suddenly recalled something when he learned from Habagat why they were taking the Golden Kampilan—to change how the two races treated each other for the better. He remembered Janus, the only person who had helped him after the war between humans and Isu, and who shared Habagat's desire. Janus had been the first person to safeguard the Golden Kampilan for future generations.
As Biringan was on the verge of collapse, Bathala entrusted the weapon to Habagat. While taking the sword, he witnessed events from the future, such as the revelation of Agustin Legazpi's plan against the Spanish Templars and the assassination of Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Katipunan. Upon seeing these events, his reaction suddenly changed, and he found a new purpose for the weapon. Bathala expected that his attitude would change because of what he had witnessed in the future, which concerned him. However, he warned Habagat about the proper use of the sword to avoid bad luck in the future. Bathala then suddenly disappeared, and Biringan transformed into a vast forest.
Chapter 6: Preparation for Battle[]
On April 24, 1521, they arrived safely and were still with the new army member, Bantog. When they came back to Opong town, they found out that a foreigner had been caught from Sugbu town. A Spanish Assassin, Ignacio, was mistaken for an opponent because he did not have permission to enter the town. When they reached a mountain where Ignacio was caught and tied up, they immediately talked to him to find his purpose.
Ignacio was immediately released, and he immediately treated his wounds with the help of doctors in the town. Lapu-Lapu apologized to Ignacio for the soldiers' behavior, but the foreigner also apologized for entering the village without permission. A small party was held to pay homage to the foreigner, who was also a member of the Assassin group that had come from far away.
Ignacio entrusted the Kampilan to Habagat, and Lapu-Lapu supported this decision. The next morning, the entire Opong army had a meeting with their citizens to discuss and prepare for the arrival of Magellan and Rajah Humabon.
At the end of the discussion, Habagat approached Ignacio to find out more details of the plan they would carry out. But he suddenly left and told Habagat to accompany him to a distant place to talk in-depth. Upon arriving in a forest, Ignacio challenged Habagat to a duel with their favorite weapons to assess each other's strengths. Ignacio also wanted to know if Habagat was worthy of being the guardian of the Kampilan.
The next day, Habagat underwent training and education under Ignacio to become more skilled as an Assassin. As a result, Habagat received a modern Hidden Blade made by Ignacio, which was made of bamboo with steel attached to it, and its blade had a tooth design on its side.
On the night of April 26, 1521, Rajah Humabon's messenger returned from Opong and announced what Datu Lapu-Lapu had said: he refused to recognize the Spaniards. The Rajah was angry, so he prepared an army and planned to attack the town of Opong. Ferdinand was quietly happy because he felt that there would be a forced conquest of the island of Mactan, and he used the Apple of Eden again when they got there.
Antonio overheard everything Ferdinand and Juan were talking about as he rested in the other room. Ferdinand suddenly remembered that they were just next to Antonio, so he immediately looked around. When they arrived, no one was there, but Antonio had already left through the window and closed it so that no one would notice. Ferdinand lost his temper when he discovered that Antonio was not there, even though the writer already knew what they were talking about.
Antonio could think of no other excuse for Joaquin but to run. The general immediately chased him, but the natives suddenly stopped him, so he unknowingly killed him in front of Antonio. When Antonio was afraid, he ran fast until he reached another place.
Antonio did not immediately understand what the leader of those natives was saying, but he still tried to communicate with Mangubat. Fortunately, he had also learned the Malay language from Enrique, so somehow, his message got through to Mangubat, and he also gave them some money. Mangubat accompanied him to the island of Mactan, where the town of Opong is located, to see Ignacio.
On the other hand, Joaquin immediately informed Ferdinand and Juan about Antonio's escape. Ferdinand was very suspicious that Antonio might have heard all their plans. Suddenly, the Spanish and Sugbu forces met with their leaders to discuss the war plan on the island of Mactan. Datu Zula, the leader of the Pilipul on the island of Mactan, also joined the meeting because he wanted to retaliate against Lapu-Lapu, who was his mortal rival on the said island, so he offered some natives to join the Spanish forces. This signaled the beginning of the war between the Spanish troops and the Opong troops. On the island of Mactan, the foreigner Antonio arrived, and he found Ignacio with Datu Lapu-Lapu. It was here that everything Ferdinand and Juan had talked about before he left Sugbu came to light.
Lapu-Lapu and his men waiting for the enemy.
Chapter 7: Magellan's Battle: The Secret of Eden[]
It was midnight on April 27, 1521, the day Ferdinand Magellan sailed with the entire Spanish army and some Subgu soldiers to the island of Mactan. Sixty of them took up arms with corselets and helmets, including the Christian king, the prince, some of the leaders, and twenty or thirty branches. They reached Mactan three hours before dawn. During the three-hour voyage of the Spaniards, the Opong army waited on the shore for their enemy. Datu Lapu-Lapu was in front of the entire military, while Habagat and Ignacio were waiting for the entire group. Some natives freed the Spaniards from Rajah Humabon's group to warn the Mactans by burning houses, which angered Lapu-Lapu.
When morning came, forty-nine soldiers of Magellan's army waded through the water up to their thighs and walked on water before reaching the shore. The boats could not get close because some exposed rocks blocked their way. The other men remained to guard the ships. When they arrived at the shore, Lapu-Lapu's army formed into three divisions, numbering more than one thousand five hundred men. They all shouted loudly as they rushed at the enemy. Musketeers and crossbowmen fired from a distance of about half an hour, but to no avail.
Lapu-Lapu's army fired spears, bows, and stones at the Spaniards, hitting their musketeers because their armor was light and not durable. The foreigners were at a disadvantage because of the strength and quantity of the natives who were fighting them. Magellan had great confidence due to the modern weapons they used, but he did not know that the location they were fighting in was advantageous for the Opong army. Soldiers found it challenging to move in the water because their weapons were heavy, affecting their mobility, so they could not advance in their position. This was one of Datu Lapu-Lapu's tactics that Ignacio admired for its effectiveness. However, there was a problem they faced: General Joaquin, who could easily defeat the natives with a sword and shield, even if it was heavy. Habagat spotted a strong Spaniard coming to the beach, so he did not hesitate to help his men.
General Joaquin reached the shore with some Spanish soldiers and rushed towards another group of Lapu-Lapu's men. His group was the strongest among all of Spain's forces, even though they were few against the five hundred warriors of Opong.
Habagat had already reached the other group, and he could see that the warriors were retreating due to the strength of the Spaniards. He saw the general kill his comrades one by one. Suddenly, Habagat, impatient at what he saw, did not hesitate to confront the Spanish general. However, Ignacio intervened and blocked the fight between the two, with Ignacio facing Joaquin. The general revealed that Joaquin was his former comrade, which confused Habagat. However, Ignacio explained the truth to him. He incapacitated Joaquin by using poisoned knives that blinded one of his eyes until he died.
Habagat, on the other hand, reached the middle group where many fighters were killed due to the force of the Spanish musketeers. He pulled out a slingshot, took a rock and a piece of dead coral, and one after another, he threw them at the opponents from a long distance, going unnoticed. This simultaneously distracted and injured them, preventing them from recovering.
Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula were feeling worried for Magellan's group, so they immediately sent more fighters to help the Portuguese.
They could see that the Spaniards and other native warriors were at a disadvantage in terms of strength and quantity compared to the Mactan warriors. However, Magellan did not give up the fight, and this time he unleashed the power of Eden. Lapu-Lapu's group stopped fighting and turned to chase their leader.
Magellan saw another piece of Eden held by Habagat and wanted to retrieve it. He commanded the other controlled warriors to take out the sword of Eden. Ignacio signaled for Habagat to use the sword to neutralize the power of the Apple of Eden. There were bright flashes of light, and the controlled warriors shone until the Apple of Eden lost control over their minds. Magellan was furious and attempted to use the Eden again, but the sword held by Habagat opposed it. However, Magellan utilized another ability of the piece of Eden, creating ten clones of himself, shocking the people of Mactan.
A warrior returned to their ship to report to Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula. They learned that the Portuguese and other foreigners were in danger, so they decided to help them. Magellan and his clones were not skilled in combat, so Ignacio and Lapu-Lapu quickly dispatched them. This time, warriors from Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula arrived to assist the lone Magellan.
Chapter 8: Rising Heroes: Against the Chains of Abstergo[]
During one of his Animus sessions, Andrew witnesses the encounter between Spanish forces led by Magellan and local leaders, including Rajah Humabon and Lapu-Lapu. The story delves into the conflict between the native leaders and the Spanish invaders. Through the Animus, Andrew experiences the struggle of his ancestors against foreign forces and their efforts to protect their homeland.
Inside the facility, Andrew befriends a fellow prisoner named Serafin, who shares his experiences as an Assassin. Together, they plan an escape with other inmates. However, their efforts are hampered by the advanced technology and tight security within the Abstergo facility.
During his time in captivity, Andrew discovers that his father, Jericho Janea, was a revered Assassin and a mentor to many. He also learns about the Grandmaster of the Assassins, Chandra, who is imprisoned in a high-security solitary confinement cell within the facility.
In an attempt to escape, Andrew confronts Chandra, hoping to gain insights into the facility's weaknesses. Chandra, despite being the Grandmaster, reveals her own struggles and limitations within the facility. Andrew, determined to save his family, challenges Chandra's authority and expresses his willingness to escape, regardless of the obstacles.
Chapter 9: Assassins' Journey: The Conflict in Opong[]
Andrew is frustrated with the grandmaster's attitude and seeks help from his friend Serafin to break out. Serafin is initially hesitant but eventually agrees to assist Andrew in exchange for Andrew's promise to free Serafin and other assassins.
Andrew is summoned for another session in the Animus machine, which allows him to relive historical events. In the Animus, Andrew revisits the Battle of Mactan, where Lapu-Lapu and his warriors defeated Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish invaders. After the battle, Ignacio and Habagat, two Assassins, decide to stay in Opong, Lapu-Lapu's hometown, to train and protect the community.
Twenty-one years later, they learn that Lapu-Lapu's group has been attacked and Lapu-Lapu is missing. Ignacio and Habagat set out to find their leader and encounter rebels who have turned against Lapu-Lapu's leadership. A confrontation ensues, but they manage to escape and regroup.
They later discover Lapu-Lapu's lifeless body, and Habagat is deeply affected by the loss of their leader. Mangubat is appointed as the new leader of Opong, and Habagat is designated as the new Grandmaster of the Visayan Brotherhood of Assassins.
In 1545, Raja Humabon of Sugbu proposes an alliance with Opong, but the Opong leaders, including Habagat and Ignacio, reject the idea. Tensions rise, and it becomes evident that war is imminent between the two communities.
Chapter 10: Attack and Defense[]
The Animus operation was abruptly terminated because Doctor Ibarra returned. The doctor announced an initial inspection due to reports of a possible inside job within the facility. Security was preparing for the inspection, and Andrew was puzzled about who or what he meant by the "inside job." During a confrontation with the doctor, Andrew caught a thrown cup of hot coffee, which burned his face. Despite the pain, he remained defiant.
Later, during a group meeting for an escape plan, Andrew shared his encounter with the doctor. Serafin suggested seeking help from Chandra, the grandmaster of the Assassins. Andrew, however, expressed distrust and resentment towards Chandra, leading to tension within the group. As they continued planning, chaos erupted in the facility due to another escape attempt, and the group had to adapt their plans.
Chandra, having escaped from solitary confinement, encountered a utility personnel who turned out to be a spy for the facility. With the help of a young Assassin named Jose, Chandra managed to disable security devices and create a diversion. Meanwhile, Andrew and Serafin faced challenges from guards during their escape. In a surprising turn of events, Jose intervened and helped neutralize the guards.