As the bus rolled to a stop in Pagadian City, Neoma, Sol, and Owel disembarked and took in their new surroundings. Pagadian, known as the "Little Hong Kong of the South," is a bustling and vibrant city in the southern part of the Philippines, located in Zamboanga del Sur. The city's unique hilly terrain gave it a distinct character, with steep streets and rolling hills that provided stunning views of Pagadian Bay. Fishing boats and small vessels dotted the waters, adding to the city's picturesque landscape. Neoma pulled her scarf tighter around her face, blending in with the crowd. Sol’s eyes scanned the area for potential threats. "Let's find a place to stay first. Somewhere discreet where we can plan our next steps." Owel pointed to a quieter street leading away from the busy market

