The United States Government – The Pentagon
A dimly lit war room inside the Pentagon buzzed with urgency. Rows of analysts stared at glowing monitors, lines of code scrolling rapidly as cybersecurity experts worked to trace the origins of the groundbreaking AI. The game, World War II: Frontline, had sent shockwaves across the tech industry. But now, it had captured the attention of the highest levels of government.
A lead analyst, a man in his forties with deep bags under his eyes, turned to his superior.
"Sir, we confirmed it. The IP address comes from the Philippines."
Silence. A thick, heavy kind. The kind that meant something big had just dropped into the laps of the world's most powerful people.
A four-star general leaned over the conference table, knuckles pressing into the polished wood. "Could this be a front for Chinese operations?"
The lead analyst shook his head. "Unlikely. We ran a deep dive into their servers—no foreign state involvement detected. This is a small, independent team."
The President of the United States, sitting at the head of the table, laced his fingers together. "And yet, they've built an AI that outperforms anything DARPA has in development?"
No one spoke.
Finally, the National Security Advisor cleared his throat. "Sir, if this technology falls into the wrong hands, we're looking at a major security threat. Imagine a self-learning AI capable of simulating war strategies beyond human capability."
The President exhaled. "We can't let that happen. We need leverage." He turned to the Secretary of Defense. "Deploy another naval fleet to the South China Sea. Make our presence known."
The order was given. The room went silent once again.
---------
Malacañang Palace, Philippines
President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III sat in his office, watching the CNN coverage on a muted TV screen. The headlines scrolled:
"Mystery AI Shocks Tech Giants—US and China Scramble for Answers Naval Tensions Rise in the South China Sea"
He leaned back, rubbing his temple. "This is a problem."
His Defense Secretary shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Mr. President, intelligence confirms the AI is Filipino-made. The Americans and the Chinese will want it."
Aquino sighed. "And by want, you mean they'll do whatever it takes to get it."
The room was thick with tension. His chief economic adviser spoke up. "Sir, this technology could make the Philippines a global powerhouse. If we handle this correctly, we could rival Silicon Valley."
Aquino frowned. "Or we could end up crushed under the weight of two superpowers fighting over us."
A long pause. Then, he stood, straightening his barong. "Arrange a private meeting with the developers. I want to know exactly what we're dealing with."
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Ottawa, Canada – Office of the Prime Minister
The Canadian Prime Minister, Thomas Bellinger, adjusted his tie and stepped up to the podium. The room was filled with journalists, their cameras flashing as they awaited his statement. Behind him, the Canadian flag stood tall, a symbol of diplomacy and quiet power.
He cleared his throat and spoke with measured confidence.
"Canada has always been a proud supporter of global technological advancement. Today, we are pledging $2 billion to support technological development in the Philippines."
The reporters murmured, fingers flying over keyboards. A journalist raised his hand. "Prime Minister, why such a significant investment?"
Bellinger smiled, but his tone was firm. "Innovation knows no borders. The Philippines has shown great potential in emerging technologies, and we believe in fostering a relationship built on collaboration."
A diplomatic answer. The real reason was obvious to those paying attention—buy influence before the US or China does.
The Canadian delegation had seen the reports. ByteBull's AI wasn't just a breakthrough in gaming; it was a paradigm shift. Governments worldwide were scrambling to understand its implications. And Canada wasn't about to be left behind.
The press conference continued, but behind closed doors, Canada's top diplomats were already in talks with Philippine officials.
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Tokyo, Japan – Prime Minister's Residence
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda sat across from President Noynoy Aquino, the traditional Japanese tea set between them untouched. The atmosphere was formal yet tense. They both knew what this meeting was about.
Noda spoke first. "President Aquino, Japan has always valued its relationship with the Philippines. We wish to help modernize your country's infrastructure and technology sector in exchange for closer cooperation."
Aquino leaned back slightly. "I assume by cooperation, you mean access to ByteBull's AI technology?"
A small, diplomatic smile from Noda. "We believe a partnership would be mutually beneficial. Japan has decades of experience in AI development. Combined with your country's newfound innovation, we could create something extraordinary."
Aquino exhaled, rubbing his temple. "You're the world leader to call me about this today."
Noda chuckled softly. "I imagine you'll be getting more calls."
The conversation shifted to logistics—trade deals, research partnerships, cybersecurity assurances. Japan wasn't demanding outright control of the AI like the US or China might. Instead, they were offering something more subtle: long-term collaboration, the kind that could solidify the Philippines as a major player in the tech world—under Japan's wing.
Aquino nodded slowly. He knew he had to play this carefully. If he chose wrong, the Philippines could become a battleground for global superpowers.
He sipped his tea. "Let's talk details."
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Beijing, China – Zhongnanhai Government Compound
Inside a high-security briefing room, China's top officials gathered around a large table, their faces stern as a massive screen displayed the game footage from World War II: Frontline. The AI-controlled soldiers moved with frightening precision.
The Minister of State Security leaned forward. "This technology cannot fall into American hands."
The Foreign Minister nodded. "We have already dispatched a diplomatic delegation to Manila. They will pledge $3 billion in infrastructure and technology investments."
A military general tapped the table. "And military support. The Philippines still relies on outdated systems. We will offer advanced weapons, joint drills—anything to make them rethink their US alliances."
The Minister of Science and Technology steepled his fingers. "We need to control this AI before the West does."
A long pause. Then, the Premier gave a single nod. "Make it happen."
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Manila, Philippines – Malacañang Palace
President Aquino stood at the head of a long conference table, watching as the Chinese delegation presented their proposal. The lead diplomat, a polished man in a dark suit, spoke with precision.
"China is ready to invest $3 billion into your nation's infrastructure. We will also expand our military assistance. Joint naval drills. New weaponry. A strategic partnership."
Aquino's expression remained unreadable. "That's a generous offer."
The diplomat smiled. "A prosperous Philippines benefits all of Asia."
Aquino knew better. The subtext was clear: If you side with us, we'll make you rich. If not… we'll make sure someone else is."
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Moscow, Russia – Kremlin War Room
Unlike China, Russia played a subtler game. President Vladimir Putin sat at the head of an oval conference table, listening to his military advisors.
A senior general spoke first. "If the Philippines gains control of this AI, they become a rising power in Asia. We cannot let the West dominate this."
Putin sipped his tea, then looked to his Minister of Defense. "What do we have to offer?"
The minister slid a folder across the table. "We cut the price of our military equipment by 40%. Discounted tanks, jets, missiles—whatever they need."
A calculated silence followed.
Then, Putin smirked. "A silent message: 'Side with us, and we'll arm you.'"
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ByteBull Headquarters – Estello Purnas Mansion
Richard, Jack, and Estello sat in the basement, the glow of multiple screens washing over their tense faces. Their email inboxes were in chaos—more offers, more requests, more pressure.
Jack scrolled through his phone. "Bro, have you checked the news?"
Richard, who had been typing furiously at his keyboard, barely glanced up. "I don't have time for—"
Jack cut him off, shoving his phone into Richard's face.
A live news broadcast. The ticker at the bottom of the screen read:
"President Aquino to Meet Mystery AI Developers"
Richard's stomach dropped. "What the hell?"
Estello, ever calm, sipped his coffee. "Boys, it seems we've become a national security asset."
Jack groaned. "I just wanted to make a cool game, man."
Richard exhaled. "Too late for that. We need a plan."
A knock at the door made them all turn.
A voice from the other side. "Sir Estello, the President's envoy is here."
Richard and Jack exchanged a look.
Estello set down his coffee and smiled. "Well then. Time to play at the highest level."
Richard's fingers curled into fists as he exchanged a look with Jack. The weight of reality had just slammed into them like a truck. This was no longer just about gaming or AI. This was politics.
Estello took a final sip of his coffee, placed the cup down with a soft clink, and stood. His movements were unhurried, calculated. He turned to Richard and Jack. "From this moment on, every word we say, every move we make—it's being watched."
Jack exhaled sharply. "No pressure."
Richard wiped his palms on his jeans. "Let's get this over with."
Estello straightened his collar and walked toward the basement door. As it creaked open, a man in a crisp barong Tagalog stood in the dim hallway, flanked by two security personnel in suits. The emblem of the Malacañang Palace was pinned to his chest.
"Sir Estello. Mr. Santamo. Mr. Arevalo. The President has requested a meeting."
Estello nodded, as if he'd expected this all along. "Where?"
"Malacañang. Immediately."
Richard felt his pulse quicken. The Presidential Palace?
Jack whispered, "Bro… we're about to meet the actual President."
Richard swallowed hard. "Yeah, no big deal. Just, you know, the leader of the country."
Estello clapped a firm hand on Richard's shoulder. "Boys, remember this—nations aren't ruled by politicians. They're ruled by leverage. Right now, we have it. So let's act like it."
Jack muttered, "Yeah, let's just casually walk into a room full of government officials and pretend we belong there."
Richard adjusted his hoodie, glancing at the inbox still full of billion-dollar offers. "Let's move before someone decides to kick down our door instead."
-----------------
The convoy ride to the palace was uncomfortably quiet. Black SUVs, tinted windows, security details riding motorcycles ahead of them. The kind of escort normally reserved for diplomats and high-ranking officials.
Richard sat in the backseat, heart pounding. Outside, Manila's streets blurred past—jeepneys, motorcycles, street vendors oblivious to the geopolitical game unfolding behind closed doors.
Jack drummed his fingers on his lap. "What do we even say to the President? 'Hey, sorry for making your country a global target. Our bad'?"
Richard forced a laugh, but Estello cut in, voice smooth. "You let me do the talking. Observe, listen, and for God's sake, don't sign anything."
The car slowed as the palace gates opened. Soldiers saluted as they passed. This was real.
The meeting room was larger than Richard expected, all dark wood and gold accents, the Philippine flag standing tall in the corner. A long table stretched across the center, and at the head of it—
President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
The leader of the nation sat with a composed expression, hands folded in front of him. To his left, his Defense Secretary. To his right, his National Security Adviser. Several other high-ranking officials lined the table, their gazes sharp and assessing.
As they entered, a military official murmured, "Sila 'yung mga developers."(They're the developers.)
President Aquino gestured for them to sit.
Richard's throat was dry as he pulled out a chair. Jack followed suit, looking like he was trying not to hyperventilate. Estello, ever composed, remained standing for a beat longer before nodding respectfully and taking his seat.
The President studied them for a moment before speaking.
"Gentlemen, I'll be direct. The entire world is looking at us right now. We need to talk about your AI."
Richard shifted in his seat. "Mr. President, with all due respect, ByteBull is a private company. We never intended—"
The Defense Secretary cut in, voice firm. "It doesn't matter what you intended. What matters is what happens next."
Estello leaned forward slightly. "And what exactly does the Philippine government want from us?"
Aquino exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Control."
Silence.
Jack let out a breath. "Called it."
Richard clenched his jaw. "With all due respect, sir, we built this AI from the ground up. We're not just going to hand it over."
The National Security Adviser spoke next. "You misunderstand, Mr. Santamo. We're not asking you to give it up. We're offering you protection."
Richard frowned. "From who?"
The President gave him a knowing look.
Estello's fingers tapped lightly on the table. "The Americans?"
The Defense Secretary nodded. "The US wants to secure the AI. China is offering military support to gain influence. Russia is promising weapons. Canada and Japan are making deals. Every nation with a stake in global power is watching you, and they are prepared to do whatever it takes to get what they want."
Jack muttered under his breath, "Holy shit."
Aquino continued, "If you remain independent, you risk becoming a pawn in a much larger game. If you ally with a foreign power, you risk the sovereignty of your work—and your safety."
Richard's stomach twisted. "So what are you saying?"
The President's expression turned serious. "I'm saying, you need to decide whether you want to be the Philippines' greatest asset… or its greatest liability."
-----------
The ride back from Malacañang was thick with silence, the kind that felt heavier than words. Manila's skyline stretched out beyond the tinted glass, neon signs and headlights reflecting like ghosts in the night. Richard leaned against the cool window, watching as the city blurred past, his mind running at a hundred miles an hour.
Jack finally broke the quiet. "We're screwed, aren't we?"
Estello chuckled, the sound deep and knowing. "Only if we play this wrong."
Richard exhaled through his nose. "There is no right way to play this. No matter what we do, someone's going to be pissed."
Jack ran a hand down his face, clearly exhausted. "So what's our move?"
Richard was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, a smirk stretched across his face. Not the nervous kind. Not the uncertain kind. This was something else entirely.
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Dude… I know that look. That's your 'I have a batshit crazy idea' face."
Estello turned to him, intrigued. "And what exactly is that idea, Richard?"
Richard leaned forward, the glow of passing streetlights casting sharp angles across his face.
"We make the world fight for us."
Jack blinked. "…What?"
Richard's smirk widened. "All these corporations want our AI, right? They don't actually care about us, just the technology. But here's the thing—they've only seen the most diluted version of what we've built. They're drooling over table scraps, thinking they've found the golden goose."
Estello's eyes flickered with interest. "Go on."
Richard's fingers tapped against his knee, his mind racing. "We're refusing every corporate deal. No acquisitions. No buyouts. Instead, we license our AI—on our terms. Since all they care about is the AI, we'll give it to them… but only in the most controlled, watered-down way possible."
Jack whistled low. "So, like… we give them version three while we're secretly cooking up version ten?"
"Exactly." Richard's smirk turned razor-sharp. "We let them have Phoenix AI, but only the third diluted version. They can fight over who gets to improve it on their own. And in the meantime? We commercialize our own game engine—Vector Engine—and flood the market."
Jack sat back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Bro. You want to go public with the most advanced AI gaming engine ever made? That's insane."
"It's calculated." Richard's eyes gleamed. "Right now, we're like a monkey with a golden banana. Other monkeys want it. Badly. So what do we do? We give them a banana. Not the golden one, but something close enough that they'll fight each other for it instead of fighting us."
Estello burst into laughter, a genuine, deep chuckle. "Richard, you're not a monkey. You're the zookeeper."
Richard shrugged, grinning. "And the best part? Every improvement they make to our licensed AI will still trace back to us. Because we own the foundation. We built it. The more they innovate, the more valuable our ecosystem becomes."
Jack ran both hands through his hair, exhaling loudly. "Dude, this is… next-level evil genius type shit."
Richard simply grinned. "Nah. This is business."
Estello nodded approvingly. "It's dangerous, but brilliant. You turn the corporations into your workers without them even realizing it."
Jack crossed his arms. "Okay, but what about the governments? The US, China, Russia—these guys aren't playing around. They don't just throw money; they send fleets and operatives. What do we do when they start pushing harder?"
Richard's smirk faded slightly, replaced with something colder. "That's the real game, isn't it? The moment we go public, we become too big to silence. If we let one country take control, we become their asset. But if we make everyone dependent on us? Then they need us more than we need them."
Estello hummed thoughtfully. "Leverage. Absolute leverage."
Jack exhaled. "Alright, man. I'll back your play. But I swear, if we end up on some government watchlist, I'm gonna haunt your ass from prison."
Richard clapped a hand on Jack's shoulder. "If we play this right, Jack… we won't be running. They'll be chasing us with open wallets."
Estello smiled as their convoy turned toward the mansion. "Well then, gentlemen. Time to start the biggest bidding war the world has ever seen."