Legacy of the Tarot (Laoyon)

The sun had barely risen when the trio made their way toward the South Gate of Veyne, their gear packed and ready. Today marked their fourth day in Laoyon, and they were eager to set off on their next adventure.

However, as they approached the towering stone archway that marked the city's exit, they were met with an unexpected sight—Selva, standing casually at the gate, chatting with Glenn the Gatekeeper.

She turned to them with an unimpressed expression and crossed her arms. "What took you so long?"

The trio halted in shock. Arden blinked. "Wait. You're actually coming?"

Selva raised an eyebrow. "Did I stutter?"

Dominic folded his arms, clearly amused. "I thought you were one of the rational ones."

Leigh, still processing the situation, stepped forward. "Seriously? We might look like we're going on a picnic, but let me remind you—these two here are monsters." She gestured toward Arden and Dominic. "I'm already doing my best just to keep up with them. Are you absolutely sure you want to come with us?"

Selva smirked, flipping her silver hair over her shoulder. "You guys are heading straight for danger. Why would I miss out on that?"

Arden let out a laugh. "I like your attitude, but are you sure? This isn't a casual stroll through the market. We're going to the Wailing Graves."

Selva shrugged. "That's exactly why I'm coming. Someone has to make sure you don't get yourselves killed."

Leigh sighed, shaking her head. "You do realize you're signing up for some insane fights, right?"

Selva grinned. "And you do realize that I'm not just some fragile Shopkeeper, right?"

Dominic exhaled, giving her a long look before nodding. "Fine. Just don't slow us down."

Selva's grin widened. "Try to keep up."

The group exchanged glances, then, with no further objections, turned toward the open road. Glenn the Gatekeeper watched them go with a knowing shake of his head.

"Crazy kids," he muttered.

With that, the newly-formed quartet set out into the wilds of Laoyon, leaving Veyne behind and stepping into the unknown.

The sun had barely risen when the Trio, now a quartet, made their way down from the South Gate of Veyne eager to leave the city behind and embark on their next adventure.

As they descended from the elevated paths of the city to the ground level, a sudden roar of noise caught their attention. They glanced up toward the Grand Porch above—the main plaza overlooking the southern exit.

A crowd had gathered, spilling over the marble railings. Citizens of Veyne, merchants, adventurers, and even city guards stood together, waving enthusiastically. At the center of it all stood Chairman Aldric Voss, his imposing figure silhouetted against the morning light.

"We await your good news and victorious battles!" the Chairman's voice boomed, carrying across the open air.

A thunderous cheer erupted, voices rising in encouragement, hands clapping, banners waving. Even those who had only heard whispers of their feats in the city joined in, swept by the infectious energy of the moment.

The four of them paused, standing at the base of the towering walls. For a moment, they just took it in—the warmth, the well-wishes, the faith placed in them.

Then, as if moving as one, they raised their fists high in the air.

The crowd exploded in cheers, the noise reverberating through the streets.

With hearts ablaze and spirits soaring, they turned away from the city, stepping onto the open road.

Not far from the city gates, them, they spotted a familiar figure waiting for them outside a well-kept stable.

Elysia, her arms crossed, leaned against the wooden fence with an amused smirk. "Hey guys, you surely know how to make some noise, huh?" she teased, her gaze shifting between them and the lingering echoes of cheers from Veyne's Grand Porch.

Then her eyes landed on Selva, and her smirk widened. "And, will you look at that? Selva, the introvert, is joining the fun? What day is it?" She chuckled, playfully nudging her old friend.

Selva rolled her eyes. "I see you're still as hyper as ever, Ely."

Without warning, Elysia pulled Selva into a tight hug. Unlike her usual teasing demeanor, there was a hint of worry in her embrace.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked in a softer tone. "Didn't Darian try to stop you?"

Selva sighed but smiled. "Of course, he did. My father tried to top me from going. But I didn't back down." Her voice was steady, filled with quiet resolve. "This is my wish—to join an adventure with the most reliable people I've ever met. If I don't do this, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Elysia studied her for a moment before nodding in understanding. Then, with a small smile, she gestured toward the four saddled horses waiting nearby.

"Well then, take these."

Arden raised an eyebrow. "Wait… you're giving us horses?"

Elysia smirked. "Borrowing." She shot a glance at Selva. "For my best friend's sake."

"The horses were strong, well-bred, and reliable mounts, perfect for long-distance travel. They would cut down your journey time significantly, allowing you to reach their destination faster."

Leigh, touched by the gesture, placed a hand on Elysia's shoulder. "Thank you, Ely."

Elysia waved her hand off and hold it tightly. "Don't get all sentimental on me. Just make sure you all come back in one piece. And Selva?"

Leigh nodded confidently.

Selva turned toward her. "Hmm?

"No regrets?"

Selva smiled. "None."

With that, the four adventurers mounted their new horses, the weight of their next journey settling on their shoulders.

With a final wave to Elysia, they pressed forward, their horses galloping down the open road—toward the unknown, toward adventure, toward destiny.

The horses were swift, and in less than an hour, they arrived at Mang Ronald's Restaurant for a hearty breakfast. As usual, Mang Ronald was brimming with enthusiasm as he presented his daily breakfast deal.

"I would never allow any adventurer to leave my restaurant on an empty stomach!" he declared proudly.

After enjoying their meal, they handed him a gold coin for the breakfast and, without lingering, continued on their journey, energized and ready for the road ahead.

They continued their journey toward their destination—the Wailing Graves. Upon reaching the crossroads, they veered southwest, heading toward Tvaris Kingdom. The road was well-traveled but eerily quiet, the occasional breeze rustling the trees as if whispering secrets of the past.

As they rode along, a peculiar sight caught their attention. Standing proudly by the roadside was a Post Office, but not just any post office—it looked strangely familiar. A large, neatly painted sign read:

FedHex: World's Fastest Parcel Magic

"Delivering Anywhere—Yes, Even to Haunted Ruins!"

The logo bore an uncanny resemblance to a well-known courier service from their world.

Leigh pulled the reins of her horse, staring at the establishment. "You've got to be kidding me."

Dominic tilted his head, reading the smaller signs beneath the main banner. "Fast deliveries across all kingdoms. Secure parcel handling. Magic-insured shipments!" He chuckled. "Well, at least they know their market."

Arden smirked. "Bet they charge an arm and a leg for same-day delivery."

Selva crossed her arms with a smug grin. "Hah! They even have magical tracking numbers. Beat that!"

Leigh sighed, shaking her head. "Seriously?"

At the horizon, they spotted a stone bridge spanning across a river, connecting two lands divided by the flowing water. To the side, a towering stone mountain loomed over the terrain.

Arden's eyes sharpened as he noticed movement in the shadows near the right side of a cave entrance, hidden beneath thick, wild overgrowth. He subtly gestured downward, signaling for the group to slow their horses.

Everyone nodded in silent agreement.

Something—or someone—was waiting inside that cave.

They left their horses under the shade of an old, sturdy tree. With a flick of his wrist, Dominic cast a concealment spell, weaving a shimmering veil of magic around them. The horses neighed softly as the enchantment took effect, ensuring their safety while the group pressed forward toward the cavern entrance.

Arden took the lead, his Wyvern Blade glinting under the dim light as he slashed through the thick overgrowth blocking their path. Vines and tangled roots fell away, revealing the gaping maw of the cavern—dark, ominous, and stretching deep into the unknown.

As they stepped inside, the air grew heavier, the silence broken only by the echo of their footsteps against damp stone. The passageway gradually expanded, its walls stretching higher and wider with every step. Flickering light glowed in the distance, casting long shadows along the jagged rock formations.

Then they saw them.

Humanoid silhouettes moved near what seemed to be a campfire. Their massive frames blocked portions of the light, and with each step they took, the ground rumbled slightly beneath their weight.

Selva's eyes widened in realization. "It's an Eyegor," she whispered, her tone tinged with unease. "They're giant humanoids usually seen roaming the southern horizons of Veyne. They thrive in open plains… I never thought they'd take shelter in caverns like this."

Before she could finish, Arden and Dominic were already dashing forward, eager grins plastered on their faces.

Selva exhaled sharply. "Are they seriously running at a giant?"

Leigh sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before gesturing for Selva to follow. "Let's go before they get themselves killed."

The cavern trembled under the heavy footfalls of the three massive Eyegors, their single, glowing eyes locking onto the intruders. Each stood nearly four meters tall, their grotesque, muscular forms wrapped in tattered animal hides. Their gnarled hands clenched crude stone clubs, thick enough to shatter boulders.

Arden grinned as he spun his Wyvern Blade, the razor-sharp edge humming with energy. "Three of them, huh? This should be fun."

Dominic chuckled, flipping Arcane Magnus in his fingers as it pulsed with arcane energy. "Try not to make a mess, Arden."

Selva exhaled and readied her Knight Sword, lowering her stance. "We can admire them later. Let's finish this quickly."

Leigh smoothly unsheathed Venya, its white scabbard gleaming under the cavern's eerie glow. "Let's go."

The first Eyegor roared and swung its massive club down toward Arden, intending to crush him in a single blow. Arden, however, was already moving. His body blurred as he dashed forward, twisting to the side just as the club smashed into the stone floor, sending cracks spiderwebbing across it.

Using the momentum, Arden leaped onto the Eyegor's massive arm and ran up its shoulder. Wyvern Blade shimmered as he slashed across the creature's thick hide, leaving deep gashes that oozed dark blood.

The Eyegor howled in pain, flailing to shake him off, but Arden flipped mid-air and drove his blade straight into the beast's exposed neck. With a powerful twist, the Wyvern Blade carved through flesh and bone. The Eyegor's howls turned into a gurgling choke before it collapsed, shaking the ground with a thunderous impact.

Arden landed gracefully, flipping his blade with a smirk. "One down."

The second Eyegor charged straight for Leigh, lifting its stone club high above its head. Unlike Arden, she didn't move immediately. Instead, she watched, waiting for the precise moment.

As the club came crashing down, she stepped lightly to the side, dodging with the effortless grace of a seasoned swordswoman. The impact of the club sent debris flying, but Leigh was already moving.

With a flicker of silver light, Venya shot forward. She stepped in close, slipping under the Eyegor's swing and slashed across its knee. The blade cut cleanly, severing tendons. The creature staggered with a deafening roar, its balance broken.

Leigh jumped, spinning mid-air as she sliced across the Eyegor's chest in a graceful arc. Blood sprayed as the beast stumbled backward, but Leigh wasn't finished.

Landing smoothly, she dashed forward with blinding speed. Venya shimmered as she plunged it directly into the Eyegor's heart.

The beast trembled before collapsing to its knees, its lone eye dimming. Leigh pulled her sword free and exhaled. "Two."

The third Eyegor, enraged by the deaths of its kin, let out a deafening roar. It lifted a boulder the size of a carriage and hurled it straight at Dominic.

Dominic's eyes gleamed as he twirled Arcane Magnus.

"Gravity Veil."

A pulse of violet energy exploded from his staff, creating a gravitational field that froze the boulder in mid-air. With a flick of his wrist, he redirected the massive rock back at the Eyegor, smashing into its chest and sending it sprawling backward.

Before it could recover, Dominic slammed the end of his staff into the ground. A formation of glowing runes spiraled beneath the Eyegor.

"Arcane Array: Chains of Dominion."

Magical chains erupted from the earth, coiling around the Eyegor's limbs, binding it in place. The beast roared in frustration, straining against the bindings, but Dominic was already raising his staff skyward.

"Elemental Surge: Thunder Nova!"

The air crackled as storm clouds formed above them—inside the cavern. A colossal bolt of lightning descended, striking the bound Eyegor directly in the chest. The monster screamed as its body convulsed, electricity ripping through it. Its charred husk collapsed moments later, its eye flickering one last time before fading.

Dominic exhaled and rested Arcane Magnus on his shoulder. "And that's three."

Selva, who hadn't even had the chance to swing her sword, stared at the battlefield in disbelief. The entire fight had lasted less than two minutes, and she barely had time to react before the three gigantic Eyegors were lying in ruins around them.

She sighed, rubbing her temples. "You guys really don't give anyone else a turn, do you?"

Arden grinned. "You had your chance."

Leigh flicked Venya to clean the blade. "Next time, be quicker."

Dominic shrugged. "Or get a ranged attack."

Selva groaned, shaking her head. "You guys are ridiculous."

Arden smirked, walking over to one of the fallen Eyegors. "Alright, let's see what kind of loot we got."

Dominic clapped his hands. "Jackpot incoming."

The group began their search, anticipation rising for whatever rare items the fallen giants had left behind.

The spoils of battle lay before them, scattered across the cavern floor. Gold coins glimmered under the dim light, their numbers varying from a few to nearly fifty in each pile. Thick slabs of Giant's Meat, fresh from the fallen Eyegors, gave off a distinct aroma. Among the more notable finds, a worn shortsword lay half-buried in the dust, its edge dulled from time. A peculiar severed toe, massive and thick-skinned, bore the unmistakable mark of an Eyegor.

Arden turned his attention to the sturdier finds. An Ironhide Shield, scratched but still serviceable, leaned against one of the fallen giants, while a Tower Guard's Buckler, much smaller but finely crafted, gleamed under the flickering firelight. As he sifted through the loot, his hand brushed against an old tome, its leather cover cracked with age—an Ancient War Codex, a relic that might hold forgotten battle techniques.

Near the remains of the last Eyegor, a massive weapon caught his eye—a Titan's Halberd, its long pole thick as a tree branch, the heavy blade gleaming with residual energy. Next to it, an Obsidian War Helm, crafted with an eerie dark sheen, rested near the remains, its engravings hinting at a forgotten lineage.

Dominic, as expected, went straight for the magical items. He picked up a Fang-link Pendant, its silver links wrapped around a strange, sharp tooth, pulsing with faint energy. Beside it, a small vial of Elixir of Vitality shimmered with an unusual glow, promising to restore strength in times of need. His fingers grazed a Stonebreaker Ring, a heavy band seemingly forged from the cavern's own rock, infused with an unknown power.

Leigh, ever practical, swept up the gold and anything that shone with value, her keen eyes ensuring nothing was overlooked. Arden examined the weapons, testing their balance and craftsmanship, while Dominic carefully stored the magical items for later study. With their loot secured, they readied themselves to push deeper into the cavern, knowing that greater challenges awaited beyond the glow of the dying fire.