The morning light streamed through the windows of the Valverde Estate’s library, casting a golden glow on the polished mahogany table. The General stood at the head of the room, flanked by Leigh, Arden, Dominic, and Marcos. The atmosphere was serious, the air tinged with anticipation as the General addressed the group.

“You all did well in Bohol and Panglao,” the General began, his commanding voice steady. “But we’re moving to a bigger stage now. The President’s directive is clear—we’re heading to Japan.”

He opened a folder marked with the presidential seal and laid out several photographs and documents. “A series of barbaric murders has caught the attention of both the Japanese authorities and our intelligence. The victims share a disturbing connection: involvement in underground activities like human trafficking and illegal abortions. These killings are linked to an old folklore of the Tyanak.”

Leigh’s brow furrowed as she studied the photos. “The Tyanak? Isn’t that our folklore? Why would it appear in Japan?”

“That’s the mystery,” the General replied. “But this isn’t just about the Tyanak. We have reason to believe the Dark Arcana is involved. Their influence is spreading, and these killings are a symptom of something larger.”

Dominic leaned back in his chair, his wand twirling idly between his fingers. “So, what’s the plan, General? Are we playing detectives in Japan?”

The General shot him a sharp look. “We’re not playing anything, Dominic. This is a covert operation. Our primary objective is to make contact with Akiko, a trusted ally and a key figure in the Japanese Arcana investigation. She’ll provide the intel we need to proceed.”

Arden, silent until now, finally spoke, his tone calm and steady. “And the Dark Arcana? If we encounter them?”

“Engage only if necessary,” the General instructed. “This mission is about gathering information and understanding their movements. We can’t afford unnecessary risks.”

Arden nodded, his expression serene yet focused. “Understood. We’ll stay sharp.”

The group exchanged nods, their expressions reflecting a mix of determination and calm readiness.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport buzzed with activity as travelers hurried to and from gates. For Arden, this was his first encounter with the chaos and complexity of air travel. His sharp eyes took in every detail—the automated check-in kiosks, the conveyor belts carrying luggage, and the glowing screens announcing flights. Though he had never seen anything like it, his composure remained unshaken.

Leigh, walking beside him, noticed his slightly longer-than-usual glances at various parts of the terminal. “First time at an airport?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Arden nodded slightly. “It’s... organized chaos,” he observed, his tone thoughtful. “Impressive how so many people, machines, and systems can work together seamlessly.”

Dominic, always ready to lighten the mood, chimed in. “Oh, it’s a machine, alright. A glorious, chaotic, people-powered machine. The key is to not let it overwhelm you.”

Arden tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but amused. “It’s nothing overwhelming. It reminds me of a busy harvest season—everyone has their role, and the energy feels... productive.”

Leigh exchanged a glance with Dominic, her smile softening. “Trust Arden to turn an airport into a metaphor.”

As they approached the security checkpoint, a group of fans—likely students from Ateneo de Cebu—spotted Leigh. Recognizing her as their school’s muse, they waved excitedly.

“Miss Valverde!” one of them called out, holding up their phone for a picture.

Leigh paused, offering a polite wave and a graceful smile. Arden and Dominic exchanged amused glances as the fans whispered excitedly among themselves.

“Seems like you’re a celebrity,” Arden teased, his tone light.

Leigh shot him a look but couldn’t hide her amusement. “Let’s just get to the gate without causing a scene.”

The group passed through security without incident, their efficient movements a testament to their coordination. As they settled into the departure lounge, Dominic leaned back in his seat, his expression thoughtful.

“So, Japan,” he mused. “A land of technology, tradition, and… ramen. I’m looking forward to this.”

Arden, seated beside him, glanced at the boarding gate with a grin of excitement lighting up his face. Dominic, sensing Arden’s enthusiasm, leaned closer with a sly grin. "First time flying and heading to Japan—excited much?"

Arden chuckled, his voice calm but tinged with humor. "It’s not every day I get to leave the forests of Cebu and explore the modern world."

Dominic twirled his wand idly, smirking. "Well, lucky for you, you’ve got me to show you the ropes. Just don’t expect me to go easy on you in ramen-eating contests."

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Arden raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Ramen contests? I didn’t know that was part of the mission."

"Everything’s a mission with the right mindset," Dominic replied, winking. Their lighthearted banter drew a soft laugh from Leigh, who was seated across from them, shaking her head. "I can already tell this trip is going to be… eventful."

The private jet provided by the President was more than a luxury—it was a stage for lighthearted moments, camaraderie, and a chance to decompress. Plush leather seats, gourmet refreshments, and the serene hum of the engines created an ambiance that hinted at adventure.

Arden sat by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. For a moment, the rhythmic hum of the engines seemed to pull him into deep thought. But not for long.

Dominic leaned over, smirking. “Alright, Mr. Mountain Saint. What’s going through your mind now? Thinking of flying circles around this plane?”

Arden turned, an amused grin spreading across his face. “It’s tempting,” he admitted. “But I thought I’d let technology have its moment.”

Leigh laughed softly from her seat across the aisle. “How noble of you to give the plane its time to shine.”

Dominic, feigning offense, pointed dramatically. “Noble? This is just laziness disguised as humility. Admit it, Arden—you’re enjoying letting someone else do the flying.”

The General, sipping his coffee a few seats away, gave Dominic a sharp look. “Can you go five minutes without being a clown?”

Dominic saluted playfully. “Five minutes is asking a lot, sir. But for you, I’ll try.”

Leigh shook her head, hiding her smile. “You’re really something.”

As Dominic prepared to retort, Arden leaned back with a sigh of contentment. “This is all new to me—seeing the world from above, not relying on my own power. It’s… refreshing.” His words carried a tone of wonder, but they were also delivered casually, as if flying through the sky on his own power were a routine experience.

The General raised an eyebrow. “So, martial artists at your level can fly?”

Arden nodded, his grin playful. “At the higher levels of Agos, it’s less about flight and more about harmony with the flow of life. We can manipulate energy to move freely, even in the sky.”

Dominic leaned in, eyes wide with mock awe. “And here I thought I was impressive. Tell me, Arden, do you glow when you fly? Leave a trail of stardust? Maybe pose heroically against the moon?”

Arden chuckled, shaking his head. “No stardust. But I’ll admit, it’s probably more dramatic than I’d like to admit.”

Leigh rested her chin on her hand, watching the interaction with quiet amusement. “If we ever see you do it, I’ll be sure to judge your form.”

“You can hold up a scorecard,” Arden replied smoothly. “Ten out of ten for style. I won’t settle for less.”

The banter was interrupted by Dominic pulling out his deck of cards. He began shuffling with theatrical flair, tossing them into the air and catching them with ease. “Let’s see what fate has in store,” he declared, holding up a random card. “General, care to know your future?”

The General snorted. “As long as it doesn’t involve more of your antics, I’ll pass.”

Dominic grinned, flipping the card to reveal The Emperor. “Power, leadership, and authority. Fitting, don’t you think?”

Marcos, who had been quietly observing, smirked. “Fitting, yes. Accurate? We’ll see.”

The group’s laughter filled the cabin, the earlier tension melting away. Even the General allowed himself a small smile, though he quickly masked it with a sip of coffee.

As the plane began its descent, Arden looked out the window at the sparkling lights of Tokyo. His grin widened, excitement shining in his eyes. “A new place, a new challenge. Let’s see what this world has to teach us.”

Dominic clapped him on the shoulder. “And let’s see what ramen shops we can conquer while we’re at it.”

Leigh sighed, though her smile betrayed her amusement. “If ramen becomes the highlight of this mission, I’m blaming both of you.”

The private jet touched down smoothly at Narita International Airport, its engines humming to a stop as the sprawling lights of Tokyo glittered in the distance. The group disembarked with quiet efficiency; their movements precise yet unhurried. Arden’s sharp eyes darted around, taking in every detail of his surroundings with a mix of curiosity and quiet excitement.

Dominic was the first to break the silence as they walked toward their awaiting vehicle. “So, this is Japan,” he mused, his tone light. “Land of ramen, robots, and ridiculous vending machines.”

Leigh shot him a sideways glance, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You forgot about the culture, history, and discipline. But sure, vending machines.”

Arden chuckled softly, his voice calm but amused. “I’m looking forward to seeing all of it. And maybe learning something new.”

The General, walking a few paces ahead, glanced back at the group. “Stay focused,” he said, his voice steady but not unkind. “We’re not here for sightseeing.”

Dominic twirled his wand idly, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, come on, General. A little sightseeing never hurt anyone. Besides, wouldn’t you want a photo of us all at the Tokyo Tower?”

“We’ll take a photo once the mission’s done,” the General replied dryly, his tone brooking no argument.

As they approached the sleek black SUV waiting at the curb, the Wandering Crescent on Arden’s wrist began to glow faintly. The soft light quickly brightened, pulsating in a rhythm that immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Arden stopped mid-step, his hand instinctively brushing over the bracelet. “It’s reacting,” he said, his voice calm but sharp, his gaze locked on the vehicle.

Dominic’s playful smirk vanished as he straightened, his wand slipping effortlessly into his hand. “Well, that’s not ominous at all,” he quipped, though his tone carried a hint of tension.

Leigh’s eyes narrowed, her posture shifting as she prepared herself for anything. “What does it mean?” she asked, glancing at Arden.

Before he could respond, the SUV’s door swung open, and a woman stepped out. Her movements were deliberate and composed, but her presence carried a commanding aura that silenced the group. Dressed in a tailored black suit, her sharp features and sleek, shoulder-length hair reflected the calm precision of someone used to control.

The Wandering Crescent flared brighter, the light almost blinding as it pulsed erratically. Arden’s jaw tightened, his posture firm but unyielding. The rest of the group instinctively moved closer; their tension palpable as they studied the woman.

She stopped a few paces away, her piercing gaze sweeping over the group before lingering on Arden. Her expression betrayed nothing, yet her eyes seemed to hold a depth of knowledge that set everyone on edge.

Dominic broke the silence first, his voice light but measured. “Well, she definitely knows how to make an entrance.”

The woman’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile as she inclined her head slightly. Her gaze flicked briefly to the glowing bracelet on Arden’s wrist before she spoke, her tone calm yet enigmatic. “Welcome to Japan,” she said simply.

The Wandering Crescent continued to glow; its intensity unwavering as if signaling something yet to be understood. The group exchanged wary glances, their instincts on high alert.

The chapter ends with Arden stepping forward, his voice steady but edged with curiosity. “Who are you?”