At the mansion’s grand entrance, the President of the Philippines stood waiting, flanked by Governor Gwen Alcoriza, Lucia and Manuel Valverde, and Dr. Mateo Santillan. Despite the formality of the occasion, warmth filled their expressions as the SUVs came to a halt.
Leigh stepped out, barely setting foot on the ground before Lucia rushed forward, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. "Leigh!" she gasped; her voice thick with relief. "Thank God you're safe. I was so worried."
Leigh let out a soft chuckle, squeezing her mother gently. "I’m fine, Mom. Really. We all are."
Lucia pulled back slightly, cupping Leigh’s face between her hands, her gaze scanning for any sign of injury. "Are you absolutely sure? No cuts, no bruises? I’d rather hear it from you than find out later."
Manuel stepped in, his presence grounding the moment. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on Leigh’s shoulder and smiled. "Your mom’s been losing sleep over you, anak. But you’ve made us both incredibly proud."
Leigh’s eyes softened. She gave a small nod before flashing a smirk at the General. "I had some of the best people watching my back."
The General glanced at Lucia and Manuel, watching his daughter’s husband gently comfort her. A flicker of warmth crossed his usually composed face—pride in his daughter, gratitude for Manuel, and an unspoken relief that she had someone by her side. He exhaled softly before turning as the Governor of Cebu approached, his easy-going demeanor slipping back into place like a well-worn mask.
Governor Gwen Alcoriza approached with a smirk, her eyes glinting with something more than amusement as she clasped the General’s hand in a firm shake. “Leoncio, it’s always an event when you’re involved, isn’t it? Fighting Tyanaks in Japan and then strolling home as if it were nothing.”
The General chuckled, holding onto her hand just a second longer than necessary. “You know me, Gwenny. Just another day saving the world.”
She arched an eyebrow. “One of these days, I might just have to join you.”
He smirked. "I’d like to see you try." They locked eyes for a moment before both burst into hearty laughter, the air between them momentarily lighter.
Came next was the President of the Philippines, stepping forward with an approving nod. He clapped the General on the shoulder. "Leon, always in the middle of the action, aren’t you? You never fail to make things exciting."
The General chuckled. "Just doing my job, Mr. President."
The President grinned before turning to the rest of the team. "All of you, truly outstanding work. The entire country is proud of you. Your bravery has not only brought honor to the Philippines but has also strengthened our bond with Japan. Tonight, we celebrate your success."
With that, he welcomed everyone and gestured toward Sentinel’s Peak’s Grand Hall, signaling the start of the celebration. The air buzzed with excitement as guests made their way inside, eager to honor the team's triumphant return.
Inside the estate, the celebration was in full swing. As the doors to the Grand Hall swung open, Buwan, Akiko, and Dewata found themselves momentarily speechless. The vast hall was a masterpiece of elegance—high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings, massive crystal chandeliers casting a golden glow, and walls lined with exquisite paintings reflecting the rich history of the Valverde lineage.
Rows of long banquet tables stretched across the hall, each lavishly adorned with silver platters carrying Cebu’s finest cuisine. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted lechon, freshly grilled seafood, and sweet mango desserts, making even the Goddesses pause in admiration.
Buwan's eyes widened as she ran her fingers over the intricate gold embroidery of the tablecloth. "I might have to rethink my entire palace decor after this. The craftsmanship here rivals even the Peaks of the Tarot World."
Akiko, ever the composed one, let out an amused sigh. "It’s extravagant yet tasteful. A place befitting warriors and nobility alike."
Dewata, still marveling at the sheer beauty of the setting, clasped her hands together. "It has been centuries since I’ve dined in such a grand hall. The Valverdes truly know how to honor their guests."
The team gathered around a long banquet table as the President stood to address them. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, raising a glass of lambanog, “tonight, we celebrate the courage and resilience of these remarkable individuals. They have faced threats most of us could only imagine and have emerged victorious, protecting not just Japan but the balance of our world.”
He turned to the General with a wide grin. “Leon, you and your team are nothing short of extraordinary. On behalf of the Philippines, I thank you.”
The General raised his glass with a nod. "We only did what needed to be done, Mr. President."
Governor Gwen smirked and nudged the General. "Oh please, you love the limelight. Don’t pretend otherwise."
The General chuckled, shaking his head. "If I did, you’d be seeing me on TV every night, Gwenny."
Lucia placed a gentle hand on Leigh’s, her relief evident. "You’ve all done something incredible. We’re beyond proud of you."
Dr. Santillan adjusted his glasses, letting out a relieved sigh as he glanced at the General. "Indeed. This was no small feat. And, if I may add, seeing you here in one piece after what happened in Japan is a relief in itself. Your efforts have strengthened ties between our nations, but don’t make a habit of getting yourself injured, General."
The General chuckled, rolling his shoulder slightly as if testing its strength. "Well, Mateo, I’d say I’ve had worse. But I appreciate the concern." He flashed a reassuring grin. "I’m still standing, aren’t I?"
Dr. Santillan let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Stubborn as always."
The General laughed along with him, the sound hearty and genuine. "You wouldn’t want me any other way, Doc."
Dominic leaned back with a grin. "I say we enjoy this victory and eat. After all, we earned it."
Buwan surveyed the grandeur of the hall, sipping her drink. "This feast rivals even the grandest celebrations in the Tarot World. I must admit, the Valverdes know hospitality."
Akiko glanced at Arden, a knowing look in her eyes. "Victory tastes sweeter when shared, don’t you think?"
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Arden smirked. "As long as it comes with lechon, I have no complaints."
Dewata chuckled as she looked toward Marcos, who remained standing guard even during the celebration. "Even in moments of triumph, you stand ready. You truly are a guardian."
Marcos gave a firm nod, a small smile breaking through his usual stoic expression. "Someone has to keep watch. But for tonight, I'll allow myself to enjoy this moment."
The celebration continued with warm conversations and laughter, particularly between Lucia, Gwen, and the three Goddesses. Lucia couldn't help but marvel at their ethereal beauty. "You three are simply breathtaking," she said, her eyes tracing the delicate features of Buwan, Akiko, and Dewata. "It's as if you stepped out of a legend."
Gwen smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. "And here I thought I had an intimidating presence. Standing next to you makes me feel like just another politician in a room full of goddesses."
Buwan chuckled softly. "Flattery suits you both well. But if you must know, your world holds its own beauty—this hall, this feast, the warmth of your people. It is a wonder all on its own."
Dewata smiled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. It has been centuries since I’ve dined in such a setting. Your world carries a charm that ours lost long ago."
Akiko, ever composed, glanced at Gwen with a teasing glint in her eye. "And perhaps, Governor, your presence is just as commanding as ours. I saw the way the General looked at you earlier."
Lucia gasped playfully. "Oh, now that’s something worth discussing."
Gwen rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the amused smile on her lips. "You three are more dangerous than I expected."
At that, everyone burst into laughter, the lighthearted moment washing away any lingering tension. The warmth of the celebration, the camaraderie shared, and the newfound understanding between them all made the night even more memorable.
As the night stretched on and the festivities began to wind down, Lucia called on the servants to escort the Goddesses to their rooms. The President and Governor Gwen took their leave, and soon, the guests retired for the evening.
Arden sat in his room, deep in thought. His mind raced through all that had happened in Japan—the Tarot World War six centuries ago, the battle against the Tyanak, and the appearance of one of the Dark Arcana, The Hanged Man. Though he wasn’t overly worried, the gravity of their journey weighed on him. The battles ahead would be even fiercer, and the team’s strength was not enough. The three Goddesses had lost more than half of their powers, and Arden knew he had to help them reclaim their strength if they were to stand a chance against the coming trials.
His gaze fell on the satchel his Lolo Lando had given him before he left the mountains. Pulling it open, he sifted through its contents until his fingers brushed against an old, leather-bound book. It felt heavier than he remembered, as if the weight of knowledge and time had settled into its pages.
As he flipped through the worn parchment, the faint scent of mountain herbs filled the air. His eyes landed on a crude drawing of a stick figure holding a plant, inked with deliberate strokes. A strange warmth pulsed from the page, as if the drawing itself carried some hidden essence.
He let out a chuckle, remembering Lolo Lando’s words, though now, they carried an eerie depth.
“It gets the point across. Besides, you’re smart. You’ll figure it out.” Lolo Lando's voice echoed in Arden’s mind, carrying a weight of both wisdom and mystery, as if the words held a hidden meaning he had yet to uncover.
Arden groaned, smiling despite himself as he recalled his conversation with Lolo Lando. "You know, for someone who’s supposed to be wise, you’re really terrible at explaining things."
“And for someone who talks so much, you’re surprisingly bad at listening,” Lolo Lando had quipped back.
“Oh, I’m so touched,” Arden muttered, shaking his head with a laugh.
Flipping further, his eyes widened at a detailed section outlining the Power Levels of the Mortal and Immortal Realms, along with techniques to achieve them—from the Mortal World Realm Agos (Flow of Life) up to the Immortal World Realm Huklar (Mystery of Justice).
He paused at the realm he currently stood in. Each line pulsed with an eerie familiarity, as if the knowledge had been waiting for him all along. Arden’s training in Pangamot and spiritual healing had already brought him to the Peak of the Lupanay Realm, but he had hit a bottleneck, hindered by his lack of experience in the real world. The text hinted at something more—the understanding that the vastness of the world was but a reflection of the universe itself.
Now, with the techniques described in the journal, he felt something stir deep within him—an ancient force awakening, resonating with an unseen power that had long been dormant. It wasn’t just hope; it was an undeniable pull toward destiny, as if the universe itself had been conspiring to lead him to this very moment. The air around him felt charged, as though unseen eyes were watching, waiting to see what he would do next.
Taking a deep breath, he began meditating. Warm energy coursed through him, dissolving the barriers within. A sudden stillness filled the air, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Grabbing the book, he strode toward the training ground, his steps lighter, as if the very earth welcomed his movement.
As he initiated the second half of the Pangamot exercises, the night hummed with an unseen force. Moments later, a deep, resonant click echoed across the mountains, a sound that seemed to reverberate beyond the physical realm. Golden energy erupted around him, spiraling like a celestial storm. He hovered above the ground, absorbing the ancient essence of the mountain, its energy embracing him as if acknowledging his ascension.
The other Arcana felt the surge. Leigh, Dominic, the General, Marcos, and a few bodyguards who had reached the Agos Realm gathered at the training ground. They stood in awe as Arden hovered in a seated position, golden energy swirling around him like a celestial storm.
Buwan gasped, her eyes widening with genuine admiration. "This is truly remarkable! It’s been centuries since I’ve seen someone break through to the Immortal Realm with such raw potential."
Dewata smiled, admiration evident in her gaze. "No wonder he’s regarded as the greatest genius of the Arcana. He embodies the essence of transcendence."
Akiko, her voice filled with quiet reverence, watched as the golden light pulsed around Arden. "Remarkable... It’s as if the universe itself is acknowledging him."
Everyone felt the surge of energy converging around Arden. As if guided by an unseen force, their bodies instinctively lowered into a meditative stance, their minds aligning with the immense spiritual power radiating from him. The energy swirled, intensifying as it flowed into Arden, absorbing into him like a vast ocean pouring into a single vessel. Then, suddenly, silence.
A burst of energy erupted, a golden beam piercing through the clouds, sending ripples across the sky. The heavens themselves seemed to part, revealing a vast expanse of stars shining more vividly than ever, as if bearing witness to this monumental moment.
Arden had ascended—he had broken through to the Immortal World Realm Langi Stage 1 (Heavenly Realm) – Mystery of the Divine. As if the heavens themselves responded to his breakthrough, the others soon followed, each reaching their own moment of transcendence. Diwata and Buwan ascended to Hiuyan Realm Peak, their energies radiating with newfound brilliance. Akiko stabilized at Sulay Realm Middle, her power refining in quiet intensity. Leigh pushed past her limits to Lunok Realm Peak, her aura glowing with unmatched clarity. Dominic’s willpower carried him to Layaon Realm Peak, solidifying his resolve. The General, ever steadfast, reached Lunok Realm Middle, his battle-worn spirit shining with renewed strength. Marcos advanced to Lunok Realm Beginning, standing at the threshold of greater mastery. Even the bodyguards, swept up in the surge of power, found themselves at the Peak of the Agos Realm (The Flow of Life), their energies harmonizing with the new order of strength among them.
Everyone was overjoyed with their breakthroughs. Even the General, known for his composed demeanor, found his eyes brimming with tears of pride as he watched his bodyguards overcome with emotion. They had never imagined receiving such a gift, their gratitude manifesting in joyful cries. Their loyalty deepened, no longer just soldiers but unwavering protectors, standing by their leader as if they were the devoted warriors of a king.
Somewhere in Consolacion, an Arcana stirred awake. He smiled faintly. "Welcome back, Fool."
His wife, sleeping beside him, woke up to see him smiling and asked, "What’s wrong, Zeth?"
He pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Guess we’ll be having a few important guests today."
She blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Looking into her eyes, his smile deepened. "An old friend is coming for a visit today," he said with a knowing grin before drifting back to sleep.
Meanwhile, deep in the mountains, a voice murmured, "Welcome to the Immortal Realm, boy." The words carried an eerie resonance, as if spoken by something ancient and unseen, followed by a hearty, knowing laughter that echoed through the night.
After a surge of golden light shot into the sky, Arden opened his eyes. As he descended slowly to the ground, he looked down at the group gazing up at him, his expression resolute.
Everyone’s attention was fixed on him as he spoke. “Let’s grow stronger together and protect both this happiness and the balance between our worlds.” He grinned. “And while we’re at it, let’s reclaim our kingdom.”
Cheers erupted as Arden landed smoothly. Stepping forward, he approached the General, determination gleaming in his eyes.
“Sir, I need to go somewhere today. Will you accompany me?”
The General clapped a hand on his shoulder and smirked. “Lead the way, boy.”
Hello, dear readers! ???
This chapter was a major turning point in both character growth and power progression! With Arden’s breakthrough into the Immortal Realm, the surge of energy affected not just him but also his allies, pushing many of them to new heights. Here’s a quick summary to keep track of everyone’s updated power levels:
?? Arden San Agustin → Immortal World Realm Langi Stage 1 (Heavenly Realm) – Mystery of the Divine ??
- Arden has officially stepped into the Immortal World, surpassing previous limitations. His mastery of Pangamot and spiritual energy has reached an unprecedented level.
?? Buwan (The Moon) → Hiuyan Realm Peak
- The Guardian of the Moon has reclaimed more of her celestial strength.
?? Dewata (The High Priestess) → Hiuyan Realm Peak
- As the embodiment of wisdom and divine guidance, she is now close to regaining her full power.
?? Akiko (The Temperance) → Sulay Realm Middle
- Her energy has stabilized, but she still has more room to grow.
? Leigh Valverde (The Star, Guardian of Hope) → Lunok Realm Peak (Grandmaster Level)
- Already a Grandmaster in the Lunok Realm, she has now pushed past her limits, further refining her power.
?? Dominic Felicio (The Magician) → Layaon Realm Peak
- His spiritual refinement has strengthened his control over Arcane Magnus.
?? General Leoncio Valverde → Lunok Realm Middle (Grandmaster Level)
- His battle-hardened spirit continues to push him forward.
?? Marcos (Valverde’s Head Bodyguard) → Lunok Realm Beginning (Grandmaster Level)
- Now standing on the threshold of a major breakthrough.
?? Valverde’s Elite Bodyguards → Agos Realm Peak (Flow of Life) Master Level
- Their loyalty and discipline have been rewarded, making them far stronger than ordinary warriors.
?? Key Takeaway:This chapter marks a huge leap in power progression for everyone! The team is no longer just a group of skilled fighters—they are stepping into the realm of legends, and their upcoming battles will reflect this newfound strength.
? What’s Next?Arden’s ascension has sent ripples across the world. Old allies and hidden enemies are taking notice. Zeth’s cryptic words and the unseen presence in the mountains hint that the next phase of their journey is about to unfold...
Stay tuned, and let’s grow stronger together! ??
— Author