September 26th, 2025. At the SraTech Main Office at PSE Taguig.


    While Michael was working, a system notification popped up.


    [New Mission: Rival from Distant Region: The attempt to steal your technology from a foreign country sparked a new journey for you as a businessman. Your mission is to emerge victorious in an uing battle should yourpany sh with foreignpanies.]


    [Rewards: 150,000 System Points.]


    Michael momentarily stopped working and checked his notification. It has been a long time since he received a mission from the system, and it has been a long time since he used it for his purpose. The reason was that he was bing busy managing the day-to-day affairs of thepany as well as his studies.


    Since he had gained a lot of knowledge from the system thanks to its neuroenhancing features that allowed him to learn a lot of subjects in the field of science, engineering, and business, he found no reason to use it until he hopped on another enterprise, which is something he is nning the moment SraTech grew big enough.


    He still has an ongoing mission from a system, that is the domination of the sr panel market. Maybe one of its objectives is to triumph overpetitors, like CinkoSr or any kind ofpanies that view renewable energy as a threat to their existing businesses.


    Upon reading the notification, Michael waved his hand in the air, causing the holographic disy to disappear in an instant. And as if on cue, Juliet entered the room.


    "Sir…we have received an email from the CinkoSr Corporation," Juliet said as she walked towards his desk, and sat a folder down containing the printed email. Michael turned his chair to face her, his expression serious.


    . He opened the folder and began to read the printed email, which was a response from CinkoSr Holdings to their cease-and-desist letter.


    The email was carefully worded, denying any wrongdoing on the part of CinkoSr Holdings and expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue. However, it was clear from the tone of the message that CinkoSr was not about to back down easily.


    They requested specific details and evidence of the alleged cyberattacks, stating their intention to defend theirpany''s reputation vigorously against what they deemed as unfounded usations.


    After reading the email, Michael looked up at Juliet.


    "As expected, they''ll act lofty against us. Well, who are we anyway? Just some upstart photovoltaicpany that is rising on the world stage that just so happens to be based in the third world country, Philippines," Michael clicked his tongue in frustration. "But we know the truth, and we have evidence of their wrongdoing. They can posture all they want, but it won''t change the facts."


    Juliet, sensing Michael''s growing determination, leaned forward. "Given their response, I believe our next step should be to immediately convene a meeting with our legal team. We need to discuss the evidence we have and strategize on how to proceed. It''s crucial we''re all aligned and understand the potential legal pathways avable to us."


    "You''re right, Juliet. Set up the meeting this afternoon, I want this done and over with as soon as possible," Michael instructed.


    "What time?"


    "About three o''clock in the afternoon," Michael replied.


    "As you wish, sir, I will arrange it immediately," Juliet said with a bow. She turned to leave.


    ***


    Four hourster, in one of the conference rooms of the SraTech. Michael entered and saw hiswyer, Atty. Maria Lourdes Salonga, along with several members of the legal team, was already seated around therge table. Each of them had folders and digital tablets in front of them, prepared for the discussion ahead.


    Michael took his seat at the head of the table, signaling the start of the meeting.


    "Thank you all foring on such short notice," he began. "We''re here to discuss our response to CinkoSr Holdings and to strategize our legal approach. Juliet, could you give us a quick summary of their email?"


    Juliet cleared her throat, standing slightly tomand the room''s attention. "Certainly, Mr. Reyes. CinkoSr Holdings denies any involvement in the cyberattacks against us. They''vebeled our usations as baseless and have demanded concrete evidence to support our ims.


    Essentially, they''re positioning themselves as wrongfully used and are signaling their readiness to defend their stance vigorously."


    Atty. Salonga interjected, her tone analytical yet infused with a hint of strategy.


    "They''re ying a ssic defense game. By asking for evidence, they''re not just denying the allegations but also testing our resolve and preparation. It''s crucial we demonstrate that our ims are not mere allegations but are backed by solid, undeniable proof."


    "They don''t know that we have the timestamps, unmasked IP addresses, the works. Plus, we recovered files from their cyberattacks that no one but them could have had. You can tell from the code that it was Chinese," Michael added, leaning forward, his eyes scanning the faces around the table for reactions.


    "That''s the ammunition we''d need," Salonga said.


    "So how do we move forward from here? Mrs. Salonga?" Michael asked and continued. "The cease-and-desist wouldn''t work without evidence so we are going to send them evidence?"


    Atty. Salonga nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly, Mr. Reyes. We willpile and organize the evidence meticulously. Then, we''ll draft a detailed reply to CinkoSr''s request, attaching the evidence that unequivocally links them to the cyberattacks.


    This will serve two purposes: it will demonstrate our seriousness and readiness to pursue legal action, and it might also press them into considering an out-of-court settlement to avoid public embarrassment and legal repercussions."


    Michael leaned back, pondering the strategy. "And if they decide to go to court?"


    "We''ll be ready," Atty. Salonga affirmed confidently. "We have a strong case. The evidence ispelling, and we have the legal framework to support our ims. Going to court will undoubtedly be a lengthy process…"


    "Wait? Where would this court case even be held?" Michael interjected suddenly, a new concern dawning on him. "In the Philippines or China?"


    Atty. Salonga, prepared for such inquiries, responded promptly, "Given that bothpanies operate internationally, and the dispute involves cross-border cyber activities, it''s likely this case could be brought before an internationalmercial arbitration court.


    However, we can push for jurisdiction here in the Philippines, given the cyberattacks were directed at us, impacting our operations directly."


    "There is no chance that they''d agree on that. They might even push it to be held in China."


    "There''s always a possibility, Mr. Reyes," Atty. Salonga admitted. "However, international arbitration tends to be a neutral ground. If it does push through, we can argue for a venue that is mutually agreed upon and considered neutral. The International Chamber of Commerce or a simr arbitration institution could oversee the proceedings, ensuring fairness and neutrality."


    Michael nodded, taking in the information. "Alright, let''s prepare for that scenario as well. I want to explore all options, including potential arbitration venues, and understand the implications of each. It''s important that we not only fight this battle on the evidence front but also strategically in terms of legal jurisdiction."


    "We''ll do aprehensive analysis," Atty. Salonga assured him. "We''ll look into the advantages and disadvantages of various arbitration forums and prepare ordingly. Rest assured, our preparation will be thorough."


    "Excellent," Michael said, feeling reassured by Salonga''s confidence. "Let''s proceed with gathering and organizing our evidence, drafting apelling reply to their request, and preparing for all possible legal scenarios. I trust in your expertise and judgment to navigate this situation."


    Atty. Salonga nodded. "We won''t let you down, Mr. Reyes. We understand the stakes and are fullymitted to defending SraTech''s interests."