Legacy of the Tarot (Laoyon)

(Weapons & Armor – Darian, Selva & Bren Ironblade)

The night after the grand feast, silence blanketed the Merchant Council's Grand Hall, save for the occasional flickering of torches along the carved wooden corridors.

After their unexpected duel, victory celebrations, and toasts with the city's elite, the trio was finally led to their rooms by the council's attendants. Leigh, as the only woman in their team, was given a luxurious chamber—a room adorned with fine silk curtains, a feathered mattress, and a private balcony overlooking the moonlit canals of Veyne. The soft aroma of lavender incense filled the air, a stark contrast to the battlefield she had stood upon just the day before.

Meanwhile, Dominic and Arden were unceremoniously tossed into simpler, but comfortable rooms. Their chambers were functional—sturdy oak furniture, a single window each, and a well-maintained washbasin. It was more than enough.

Arden had barely collapsed onto the bed before his snoring filled the room. Dominic, however, lay awake for a while, staring at the ceiling. Laoyon. This world he had created fifty thousand years ago, on a whim, had evolved into something beyond even his expectations. It had become a civilization of its own, a land filled with history, conflict, and energy he never thought would persist for so long. His thoughts drifted until sleep eventually claimed him.

Their third morning in Laoyon arrived, casting golden hues over the elevated walkways of Veyne. The city was already alive with merchants opening their stalls, workers unloading cargo from ships, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.

After freshening up, Arden, Leigh, and Dominic descended to the lobby, where Selva Ironblade, their assigned guide, waited with arms crossed. She had been personally tasked by Chairman Aldric Voss to escort them through the city.

"Took you long enough," she teased, eyeing Arden, who looked like he had just rolled out of bed.

Arden yawned. "I needed my beauty sleep."

Dominic chuckled, while Leigh sighed. "Let's get this over with before he finds another reason to waste gold."

Selva smirked. "Oh, you're in Veyne now. Spending gold isn't just a habit—it's a way of life."

Before they begin their shopping spree, the trio made a quick stop at The Golden Crown Bank, where they deposited their reward money and each withdrew 50,000 gold to use as their budget.

The familiar heat of the forge greeted them as they stepped inside The IronBlade Armory. The scent of burning coal, oiled steel, and hot metal mixed in the air. The rhythmic clang of hammer on iron echoed through the vast hall, where weapon racks lined the walls like silent warriors waiting for battle.

Behind the heavy counter, Darian Ironblade, the burly master blacksmith, barely glanced up from the great sword he was sharpening. His grizzled beard twitched slightly as he grunted.

"Back so soon? Haven't had enough trouble yet?" Darian muttered, his deep voice like grinding stone.

Arden, ever the troublemaker, grinned as he leaned against the counter. "Not even close."

Selva, smirked at her father. "They need gear. Good gear."

Darian snorted, finally looking up from his work. His sharp gaze scanned Arden, Leigh, and Dominic. "You got the coin for it?"

Before Arden could answer, Leigh tossed a small pouch onto the counter. The sound of gold coins clinking made Bren, Darian's young apprentice, stop mid-task, his eyes widening in curiosity.

Darian smirked, opening the pouch just enough to see the shimmer of gold. "Huh. Guess you're serious."

Bren wiped his hands on his apron, stepping forward with enthusiasm. "So, what kind of weapons are you looking for? We've got enchanted blades, reforged spears, double-edged axes—"

Arden raised his hand lazily. "Pass."

Bren blinked. "What? You're turning down weapons? What kind of warriors are you?" clearing his throat, "I mean, we know Arden already have his Wyvern Blade taken from the Lone Cursed Wyvern. What about you guys?" He gestured to Leigh and Dominic.

Leigh call upon Venya, her sentient spirit which elegantly turned into a sword, which gleamed faintly as if responding to the conversation. "We're well-equipped."

Dominic casually twirled his wand-like staff, Arcane Magnus, between his fingers, its embedded runes glowing with faint energy.

Selva chuckled, nudging Bren. "Told you they weren't normal."

Bren, still stunned, turned to Dominic. "And what did you do?"

Dominic shrugged. "A few spells here and there."

Leigh sighed. "You mean nearly blowing us all up."

Dominic smirked. "I was efficient."

Arden nudged him. "Efficient at making me dodge fireballs."

Bren whistled. "No wonder people won't shut up about you guys. Even the Merchant Council's talking about it."

Darian finally shook his head, returning to business. "So, if you're not buying weapons, what do you need?"

Arden immediately pointed at a pair of heavy-duty combat gloves displayed near the counter. "Those."

Darian grabbed them, weighing them in his hand. "Guardian's Impact Gloves. Strength-enhancing, reinforced with spirit-forged leather. Good for close-quarter combat."

Arden cracked his knuckles. "I like hitting things."

Leigh sighed. "We noticed."

Bren grinned, leaning closer. "Oh, these also absorb recoil from impact."

Arden's eyes gleamed. "Perfect."

Darian smirked. "3,500 gold."

Arden didn't even hesitate, and took it.

Leigh pinched the bridge of her nose. "We just got here, and you're already spending like a noble."

Selva snickered. "You have no idea."

While Arden was busy testing out his gloves by punching the air, Leigh picked up a Moonveil Cloak, a lightweight but reinforced fabric with elemental resistance.

Selva helped her fasten it around her shoulders. "This one's a favorite of traveling swordsmen."

Leigh nodded approvingly. "I'll take it."

Meanwhile, Arden was now fascinated with a weighted training vest.

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Why would you want to make training harder?"

Arden grinned. "Why not?"

Leigh threw her hands up. "Because you make things harder than they need to be, naturally!"

Darian chuckled, handing over the vest. "800 gold."

Leigh groaned. "I should've handled the budget."

Dominic, flipping a coin in his fingers, smirked. "Oh, absolutely."

Arden strapped on a pair of Guardian's Impact Gloves (3,500 Gold), flexing his fingers as he tested the snug fit. The reinforced material was sturdy yet flexible, designed to absorb impact without sacrificing mobility. He threw a quick jab in the air, grinning as he felt the difference.

"Perfect," he muttered.

Darian raised an eyebrow. "Try not to punch anyone in here."

"No promises," Arden said, still admiring his new gloves.

Selva watched with amusement as he added a Weighted Training Vest (800 Gold) to his pile. "You enjoy making things harder for yourself, don't you?"

Arden grinned. "Pain builds character."

Leigh rolled her eyes. "And impulsive spending drains the budget."

Arden, completely ignoring her, picked up a Mystic Tread Boot set (2,500 Gold), specifically designed to boost stamina and energy recovery. He bounced lightly on his feet, testing the feel.

"These feel nice," he said. "And look—no blisters."

Leigh raised an eyebrow. "Is that really your main concern?"

"Hey, discomfort leads to sloppy fighting." Arden gave her a knowing smirk. "You should be thanking me."

Leigh sighed, placing a hand on her hip as she eyed Arden's spending habits. "Fine. But if you keep burning through our gold like this, you'll be the one hunting our meals."

Meanwhile, Leigh was busy testing a Moonveil Cloak (1,800 Gold). The fabric shimmered under the forge's light, woven with enchanted threads designed for elemental resistance. She pulled it tighter around herself, testing its weight.

"Light but durable," she noted, nodding in approval.

Selva smirked. "Not bad for someone with refined taste."

Leigh returned the smirk as she picked up a set of Agility Bands (1,500 Gold)—thin, silver-threaded wristbands enchanted to enhance movement speed and reflexes. She slipped one onto her left wrist, immediately feeling the subtle pull of the enchantment.

On her right wrist, the Emerald Bangle gleamed under the forge's light, a silent reminder of their victory against the Lone Cursed Wyvern.

"Much better," she said with satisfaction.

Finally, she grabbed a set of Reinforced Battle Attire (2,500 Gold) and ran her fingers over the stitched combat mesh, ensuring both flexibility and protection.

Selva chuckled. "You're really going for the whole 'swordswoman with style' look, huh?"

Leigh smirked. "You should always be prepared—to fight and look good doing it."

Arden nudged Dominic. "See? This is why she spends more than me."

Leigh slowly turned toward him.

Arden coughed. "Uh, let's move on."

While Arden and Leigh bickered, Dominic calmly browsed the shop, inspecting a deep-blue Arcane Flow Robe (4,000 Gold). He ran his fingers over the delicate mana runes sewn into the fabric. The robe wasn't just for aesthetics—it enhanced mana regeneration and reduced casting delay.

"This will do," he said, trying on the robe and adjusting the fit.

Leigh sighed. "At least one of us knows restraint."

Dominic gave her a knowing smirk as he reached for a Mana-Conserving Bracer (1,200 Gold), a slim metallic band with etched sigils that reduced mana expenditure.

Arden peered over his shoulder. "That thing actually works?"

Dominic flicked his fingers, letting a small arcane spark float in the air before effortlessly dissipating it. "See for yourself."

Leigh looked at Arden. "If only there was a way to conserve your energy."

Arden scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I'll have you know, my energy is limitless."

Selva smirked. "Tell that to your coin pouch."

To complete his purchases, Dominic added a Mystic Tread Boot set (2,500 Gold).

As the last coin was exchanged, Leigh took a deep breath, rubbing her temples before shooting Arden a sharp glance.

"Alright, let's go over the damage," she said, pulling out a small notepad where she had been meticulously tracking their expenses.

Arden leaned against the counter, smug as ever. "Damage? I'd say it's an investment."

Leigh rolled her eyes before reading off the numbers.

"Arden—you spent a grand total of 10,300 gold."

Arden smirked, flexing his new Guardian's Impact Gloves. "Worth it."

Leigh ignored him and turned to Dominic. "Dominic, you spent 8,700 gold."

Dominic adjusted his new Arcane Flow Robe, looking completely unbothered. "Efficient spending."

Arden scoffed. "Oh, so when you drop almost ten thousand gold, it's 'efficient spending,' but when I do it, it's reckless?"

Leigh didn't even look up. "Yes. Because you are already ridiculously strong."

Arden opened his mouth to argue, but Dominic simply flipped a gold coin between his fingers, smirking. "She's not wrong."

Selva, who had been watching the whole exchange with amusement, turned to Leigh. "And what about you, Miss Accountant?"

Leigh straightened, clearly proud of her self-control. "I only spent 9,300 gold."

Arden threw his hands up. "Oh, wow. Congratulations, Leigh. You win the 'Budgeting Award' for saving a whole thousand gold."

Leigh shot him a look. "That thousand gold could mean life or death in a tight situation. And besides, I'm the weakest of the three of us."

Arden grinned. "Don't worry, I'll protect you." He said it with a rare, serious expression.

Leigh felt warmth creep up her face, a slight blush forming before she quickly looked away.

Selva let out a laugh, shaking her head. "You three are something else."

Leigh closed her notepad with finality. "Alright. First stop—done. Now let's move on before Arden finds something else to waste gold on."

Arden gasped in mock offense. "I would never."

Leigh pointed at him. "You literally just tried to buy that ridiculously overpriced training dummy five minutes ago."

Arden crossed his arms. "…It looked useful."

Dominic chuckled, giving Arden a pat on the shoulder. "Come on, big spender. Let's go see how much worse you can make this."

Arden groaned, dragging his feet toward the exit. "I'd rather fight another wyvern."

Leigh smiled sweetly. "You're going to love every second of it."

As they stepped out of The IronBlade Armory, their pouches noticeably lighter, the realization hit Arden like a well-placed punch to the gut.

They still had six more stores to visit.

And he was already down ten thousand gold.

As they packed up their purchases, Selva stared at Arden's nearly empty coin pouch and sighed.

"You do realize we have six more shops to visit, right?"

Arden froze. "...Oh."

Leigh facepalmed. "I swear, you're hopeless."

Dominic grinned, flipping a gold coin. "I love this dynamic."

Selva chuckled. "Alright, next stop—furniture."