The water’s surface rippled unnaturally, and a low growl echoed from beneath the boat. Suddenly, the peaceful ambiance shattered as a group of Ongos emerged from the river, their grotesque forms glistening with water. Clawed hands grasped the edges of the boat as the creatures pulled themselves onboard, snarling and hissing. Dominic, sensing the panic among the ordinary passengers, waved his arm with a flourish. A soft, shimmering light emanated from his staff, and one by one, the civilians slumped into peaceful slumber, unaware of the chaos unfolding around them.

“Defensive positions!” the General barked. The bodyguards drew their weapons, firing precise shots at the advancing monsters. But the Ongos were fast, dodging and weaving as they lunged toward the group.

Arden stepped forward, his movements fluid as he intercepted one of the creatures mid-attack. Channeling energy into his fists, he delivered a powerful punch that launched the Ongo off the boat and into the air. As it splashed into the river, Arden leapt after it, landing gracefully on the water’s surface, his feet barely disturbing the calm. The creature lunged again, but Arden sidestepped, delivering a precise kick that sent it skidding across the water. Their clash continued above the shimmering surface, a breathtaking display of skill and power as Arden used the river itself as a battlefield.

Arden shouted over the chaos, "Focus your energy on your footing! You can stand on the water if you channel it right!" The instruction came just as Leigh moved with agility, striking at an Ongo that had targeted a nearby waiter. Her strike was swift and precise, knocking the creature off balance before a bodyguard finished it off with a well-placed shot. Following Arden's lead, the team leapt off the boat, landing on the river’s surface with tentative yet growing confidence. The once-serene Loboc River became a surreal battlefield as the group fought the Ongos with renewed determination above the shimmering water.

Dominic stood near the center of the boat, his wand-like staff crackling with energy. He smirked as he unleashed a wave of light, momentarily blinding the Ongos and giving the team a critical advantage. “Can’t let you have all the fun, Arden,” he quipped.

The battle raged on, the boat rocking violently as the Ongos attacked in waves. Arden moved with precision and power, his strikes landing with devastating force. He leapt into the air, spinning to deliver a kick that sent another Ongo crashing into the deck, the impact reverberating across the boat.

“They just keep coming!” Leigh shouted, her voice strained but resolute.

“They’re after something,” Arden replied, ducking under a claw swipe and retaliating with a punch that cracked the creature’s jaw. “Stay together. We can’t let them isolate us.”

One particularly large Ongo emerged from the river, dwarfing its companions with a towering, grotesque frame. Its body was covered in dark, glistening scales that shimmered like oil under the sunlight. Jagged horns jutted from its head, framing glowing malevolent eyes that burned with primal fury. Sharp, uneven claws scraped against the boat’s surface as it let out an ear-piercing screech, its fanged maw stretching unnaturally wide. The sound reverberated across the river, causing a momentary lapse in the group’s focus. Seizing the opportunity, it lunged directly at the General, its massive claws poised to strike.

The Ongo lunged directly at the General, its claws poised for a lethal strike. The General raised his weapon and fired a precise shot, but the creature's sheer force knocked him back, sending him sprawling against the boat’s railing. Blood seeped from a deep gash on his shoulder, and the General gritted his teeth, struggling to rise.

Arden's eyes narrowed, his focus sharpening as he propelled himself off the boat in a powerful leap. He landed between the Ongo and the injured General, his stance firm yet relaxed. The towering beast roared, swiping at him with claws that could rend steel. Arden casually sidestepped, giving the Ongo a mockingly slow clap.

“Really? That’s all you’ve got?” he teased, ducking under another wild swing. With a grin, he added, “You’re making this too easy.”

The Ongo snarled in frustration, lunging again. Arden spun gracefully, landing a precise kick to its midsection that sent it skidding across the deck. He raised a hand to the group watching in tense silence. “Relax, I’ve got this.”

The beast recovered quickly, its glowing eyes blazing with rage. Arden smirked, rolling his shoulders. “Alright, big guy. Let’s see if you’re more than just bad attitude and sharp claws.”

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The Ongo roared in defiance, slashing wildly, but Arden dodged with almost casual ease. "Is that all? You swing like my lolo after his morning tuba," he taunted, sidestepping yet another claw swipe. The Ongo growled louder, its attacks becoming more erratic. Arden yawned dramatically, balancing on one foot while the other tapped the water’s surface lazily. "At least pretend to try," he teased.

Frustrated, the Ongo lunged forward with a ferocious double-claw strike. Arden ducked low, slipping beneath its massive frame and lightly tapping its back with a finger. "Tag. You’re it," he said, grinning as the beast stumbled forward, splashing water everywhere.

From the sidelines, Dominic couldn’t contain his laughter. "You’re going to hurt its feelings, Fool," he called out, barely hiding his amusement.

Leigh, watching the spectacle with equal parts awe and exasperation, muttered, "Is he fighting or just showing off?"

The Ongo, now visibly enraged, charged again. Arden leapt into the air, flipping effortlessly over its hulking form. "Catch me if you can!" he taunted, landing lightly on the water’s surface. As the creature turned, Arden suddenly dashed forward, his movements a blur. With a quick spin, he struck the Ongo’s legs, knocking it off balance and sending it crashing into the river with a resounding splash.

The group watched in stunned silence as Arden stood tall, water rippling gently beneath his feet. He dusted off his hands, grinning. "Well, that was refreshing. Anyone else?"

The Ongo, struggling to rise after Arden's relentless assault, let out one last desperate roar. With a flick of his wrist, Arden channeled energy into his palm, delivering a final blow with ease. The impact sent a shockwave across the water as the creature disintegrated into dark mist. The sight of their leader’s defeat galvanized the group, filling them with renewed vigor.

“That’s it,” Arden said, clapping his hands together. “Show’s over.”

Inspired by Arden’s effortless victory, the General, despite his injury, rallied the bodyguards. “Now! Take them down!” he commanded.

The bodyguards, their confidence renewed, charged at the remaining Ongos with precision and determination. Leigh moved with agility, striking down one creature with a swift blow, while Dominic unleashed a dazzling display of light that obliterated two others. The team worked in perfect unison, eradicating the remaining attackers until the river was clear.

The General, clutching his wounded shoulder, managed a grin as he watched his team’s victory unfold. "Not bad," he said, nodding at Arden, who gave a casual salute in return.

Dominic leaned against the boat’s railing, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Well, that was fun. Do you always have this much excitement during lunch, or is today special?"

Leigh wiped her weapon clean, glancing at Arden. "You really know how to make an impression, mountain boy."

Arden shrugged, a playful grin on his face. "What can I say? I aim to please."

As night fell, the group gathered at the Governor’s rest house overlooking the tranquil Bohol landscape. The Mayor had arranged a grand feast to honor their victory. Tables were laden with Boholano delicacies: calamay, kinilaw, and fresh seafood, accompanied by the region’s famed mangoes and tuba.

Leigh, still buzzing with energy, clinked glasses with Arden. "To an unforgettable fight—and you showing off like a pro," she teased.

The General, bandaged but in high spirits, raised his own glass. "To teamwork and resilience. This family doesn’t back down."

The laughter and camaraderie filled the air, but the mood turned solemn when the Governor appeared on a video call. Her expression was both proud and concerned.

"I’ve been informed about the fight," she began, her gaze landing on the General. "You should’ve been more careful. The President must hear about this immediately. The presence of these creatures is alarming."

The General nodded, his usual stern demeanor softening. "I’m fine, Governor. Arden and the others handled it brilliantly. But yes, we need to prepare."

The Governor sighed, "I’ll brief the President first thing tomorrow. Until then, rest and recover."

With the call ended, the group resumed their celebration, though the weight of what lay ahead was evident.

Deep within the uncharted mountains of Bohol, an ominous presence stirred. The air was thick with malice as a figure cloaked in darkness gazed into a shimmering portal. The Hanged Man, his inverted triangle emblem glowing faintly, scowled. "They escaped. Three Arcanas together—this complicates things."

A voice echoed from the shadows, chilling and commanding. "Failure is unacceptable."

The Hanged Man turned as a towering figure stepped forward, adorned with a horned mask above broken chains—the unmistakable symbol of The Devil, leader of the Dark Arcana. His voice was a blend of menace and authority. "The Fool, The Star, and The Magician must be eradicated. Their union threatens our plans."

Other figures emerged from the shadows: Death, a skeletal hand clutching a withered rose; The Tower, surrounded by crackling lightning; and The Moon, her crescent symbol glowing eerily. Each emanated an aura of corruption and power.

The Devil’s gaze burned with intent. "Send our forces to tighten the noose. The Tarot World and the Real World must bow to us. No more mistakes."

The Hanged Man nodded, vanishing into the darkness. The Devil turned to the others. "Prepare for the next move. The game is far from over."

Lightning cracked across the sky as the corrupted Arcanas vanished, their malevolent plans unfolding.