Chapter 3: The Kapre’s Clues

Jereco, a relic of a bygone era, a newspaperman who’d rather chew on a typewriter ribbon than a salad, found himself in a peculiar predicament. His rumpled suit, a relic of a time when men were men and suits were sharp, seemed out of place in the humid, tropical climate of Baybay City. But then again, so did he.

Desperate for answers, he sought out a reclusive shaman, a man said to possess knowledge of the supernatural. The shaman, a wizened old man with piercing eyes, lived in a secluded hut deep within the forest. Jereco, armed with his trusty notebook and a bottle of cheap whiskey, ventured into the heart of the jungle.

The shaman, after a long silence, revealed the existence of a powerful kapre guarding a hidden secret. The kapre, a giant, hairy creature of the forest, was known for its mischievous nature and its ability to manipulate the minds of men.

“The kapre is a guardian of ancient secrets,” the shaman explained. “It will only reveal the truth to those who are pure of heart and strong of will.”

Jereco, skeptical as ever, scoffed at the idea of a giant, hairy creature. But as he delved deeper into the forest, he began to question his own disbelief. Strange sounds echoed through the trees, and the air grew thick with an otherworldly energy.

Finally, he came face-to-face with the kapre. The creature was massive, its body covered in thick, matted hair. Its eyes glowed with an eerie light, and its voice was a deep, rumbling growl.

“You seek the truth, do you?” the kapre asked, its voice echoing through the forest. “Very well, I shall test your worthiness.”

The kapre presented Jereco with a series of riddles and challenges. Each test was more difficult than the last, but Jereco, fueled by his determination, persevered. With each riddle solved, the kapre’s demeanor softened, revealing a hint of respect for the human’s tenacity.

The kapre’s first riddle was a test of Jereco’s knowledge of local folklore. “What creature, born of the earth, can shape-shift and deceive?” Jereco, having spent time with Lola Ising, knew the answer immediately. “A tikbalang,” he replied. The kapre nodded, a flicker of surprise in its eyes.

The second trial was a test of physical endurance. The kapre challenged Jereco to a race through the dense jungle. The creature, with its superhuman strength and agility, could have easily outpaced the human. But Jereco, fueled by adrenaline and determination, pushed himself to his limits. He dodged vines, leaped over fallen logs, and sprinted through the undergrowth. When they reached the finish line, the kapre was impressed.

The final test was a test of courage. The kapre led Jereco to a dark, cavernous opening. “Dare to enter, mortal, and you shall be rewarded,” the creature said. Jereco, heart pounding, stepped into the darkness. Inside, he found a hidden chamber filled with ancient artifacts. Among the relics, he discovered a clue that could lead him to the missing accountant and the malevolent force behind it.

As he emerged from the cave, the kapre’s demeanor had softened. “You have proven yourself worthy,” the creature said. “May the spirits guide you on your journey.” With that, the kapre vanished into the mist, leaving Jereco alone with his newfound knowledge.

To be Continued