The sleek black SUV hummed to life as Arden climbed into the back seat, his movements cautious and deliberate. The leather seats were cool against his palms, the polished surfaces gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the tinted windows. It was his first time in a car, and everything about it felt foreign and strange.

“So, this is what it’s like,” Arden murmured, running a hand over the smooth upholstery.

Beside him, the young woman raised an eyebrow. “What? A car?”

Arden tilted his head thoughtfully. “Feels like sitting inside a giant moving box. It’s… weird.”

Her lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh. “You’ll get used to it.”

From the front passenger seat, the elderly man—General Leoncio Valverde—let out a soft chuckle. “We all have our firsts, boy. I remember the first time I saw a jeepney. Thought it was a dragon on wheels.”

Arden smirked faintly but said nothing, his gaze shifting to the window. The SUV navigated the winding roads of Busay, the scenery shifting from dense greenery to breathtaking views of Cebu City below. The mist that clung to the ridges added an ethereal quality to the landscape, the sprawling city lights twinkling faintly in the distance.

“Is that your house?” Arden asked, leaning forward as a grand estate came into view. Nestled atop the misty hills, the sprawling structure stood like a sentinel watching over the valley. Wide verandas stretched out on either side, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels reflected the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. Two marble lions flanked the entrance, their eyes seemingly alive as they gazed down the cobblestone driveway.

The General chuckled weakly, his voice filled with pride. “Not just a house, boy. That’s The Sentinel’s Peak Estate. My home, my sanctuary, and my little piece of heaven since I retired.”

Leigh glanced at Arden, gauging his reaction. His lips parted slightly, his brows drawing together as he took in the grandeur of the estate. “That’s not a house,” he said matter-of-factly. “That’s a castle.”

Leigh’s smirk returned. “It’s just home to us.”

The SUV rolled to a stop in the circular driveway, and the bodyguards quickly exited, opening the doors for the passengers. Arden stepped out hesitantly, his sandals brushing against the cobblestones. The sharp scent of mountain air mixed with the faint aroma of garden flowers, the atmosphere serene yet imposing.

“Come on,” Leigh said, motioning for him to follow. “Try not to get lost.”

Arden trailed behind her, his sharp eyes scanning every detail of the estate’s architecture. The intricate latticework, the towering narra trees that framed the courtyard, and the sheer scale of the structure all left him in quiet awe. The grand hall was even more impressive. Chandeliers sparkled above, their light reflecting off polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with framed medals, antique weapons, and black-and-white photographs that told the story of the General’s storied military career.

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“This place…,” Arden said softly, his voice tinged with wonder.

The General—now seated comfortably in a plush armchair—grinned. “A museum of my life,” he replied. “Every piece here has a story. But enough about that—let’s deal with the present.”

Before Arden could ask what he meant, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. A man with silver hair and sharp eyes entered, carrying a worn leather medical bag. His movements were brisk, his expression a mix of concern and professionalism.

“Dr. Mateo Santillan,” Leigh said, greeting him with a faint smile. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”

“Leigh,” the doctor replied with a small nod before turning his attention to the General. “Let’s see how you’re holding up, sir.”

The room fell silent as the doctor conducted his examination. Arden stood off to the side, observing quietly as the General winced under the doctor’s probing hands. After several minutes, Dr. Santillan straightened, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Well?” the General asked, his tone gruff.

Dr. Santillan sighed. “General, your body is growing weaker. Your heart, your muscles—they’re not what they used to be. Age and years of stress have taken their toll. You need to accept your limitations and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.”

The General frowned, his jaw tightening. “So that’s it? Just sit back and wait for the end?”

“That’s the reality,” Dr. Santillan said bluntly. “Pushing yourself further will only hasten your decline.”

Arden stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. “With respect, Doctor, I think you’re wrong.”

All eyes turned to him. Leigh raised an eyebrow, the General tilted his head curiously, and Dr. Santillan’s expression darkened.

“And you are?” the doctor asked, his tone sharp.

“Arden,” he replied. “I was the one who kept the General alive long enough for you to show up.”

Dr. Santillan studied him, skepticism evident in his gaze. “You’re just a boy. What could you possibly know about the human body that I don’t?”

“I know balance,” Arden said evenly. “The General’s body isn’t just getting weaker because of age. It’s because he’s been fighting against himself instead of working with his energy.”

The General’s eyes narrowed. “Go on.”

Arden stepped closer, his movements deliberate. “Your body remembers how to heal itself. You just need to relearn how to work with it. Let me show you.”

Dr. Santillan crossed his arms. “This is hardly—”

“Quiet, Mateo,” the General interrupted, a rare smile softening his stern features. “Let the boy speak.”

Arden motioned to the center of the room. “Stand up, sir. This will only take a moment.”

Leigh hesitated. “Lolo…”

“It’s fine, Leigh,” the General said, rising slowly to his feet. “If the boy thinks he can teach me something, I want to see it.”

Arden began demonstrating a series of slow, fluid movements. “This is Pangamot,” he explained. “It’s not about force—it’s about flow. Breathe deeply. Let your energy guide you.”

The General mimicked Arden’s movements, his motions stiff at first. Arden stepped beside him, adjusting his stance. “Relax your shoulders. Shift your weight. Let your breath carry your movements.”

After a few moments, the General paused, his eyes widening. “I… feel it,” he murmured. “The tightness in my chest—it’s gone. My body feels… lighter.”

Dr. Santillan watched in stunned silence as the General’s demeanor transformed, his vitality seemingly returning with each movement. Leigh’s gaze flickered between Arden and her grandfather, her expression unreadable.

“Well, Mateo?” the General said, his tone teasing. “Looks like the boy knows something you don’t.”

Dr. Santillan sighed deeply. “Alright, Arden. You’ve proven me wrong. But tell me… can you teach me too?”

Arden smirked faintly. “If you’re willing to listen, Doctor.”