Legacy of the Tarot (Laoyon)

On their sixth day of training in Laoyon, Arden, Leigh, Dominic, and Selva embarked on their much-anticipated exploration of the Southern Plains of Veyne. They began their morning with a hearty breakfast at Mang Ronald's, sharing laughs and finalizing their route before setting off into the unknown.

Mang Ronald, wiping his hands on his apron, approached their table with a warm grin. "Heading out again, are we? You lot are becoming quite the regulars."

"That's because your food is unbeatable," Arden said, patting his stomach contentedly. "Gotta fuel up before we take on whatever the plains throw at us."

Mang Ronald chuckled. "Good to hear. But listen, be careful out there. Those plains aren't just full of beasts, there are old ruins and things that don't take kindly to the living poking around."

Selva nodded, her expression serious. "We know. We'll be cautious."

Mang Ronald sighed, placing a small, wrapped bundle on the table. "Here, take this. Some extra rations. Can't have my favorite customers going hungry while fighting off monsters."

Leigh smiled. "Thanks, Mang Ronald. We'll make sure to come back in one piece."

"You better," he said with a wink. "Or else who's going to keep my business thriving? Good luck, all of you."

"Alright, let's make sure we don't get lost this time," Leigh said, stretching as she finished her meal.

"Not my fault last time," Arden smirked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "That was Dominic's brilliant shortcut."

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Brilliant? It got us there faster, didn't it?"

Selva sighed, shaking her head. "At the cost of nearly getting ambushed. Let's stick to the plan today."

Arden chuckled, slamming his hands on the table. "Fine, fine. Let's head out before Leigh starts making another list of things we did wrong last time."

Leigh rolled her eyes but grinned. "You mean the list I already have?"

Departing from the usual dirt road leading to Veyne City, the group chose to take a less-traveled path, veering southeast into the dense forest bordering the plains. The thick canopy overhead gradually opened up into a vast clearing, revealing the rolling horizon of the Plains of Veyne—and at its edge, the unmistakable figures of Eyegors prowling their hunting grounds.

The group pressed forward, their senses heightened as they encountered various wild creatures, each battle sharpening their combat instincts. The deeper they ventured into the plains, the more ferocious the beasts became—giant boars, prowling hyenafangs, and even a rogue wyvern seeking to claim the territory as its own.

"Another one coming from the left!" Leigh shouted, narrowly dodging the charge of a massive boar.

Arden grinned, his grip tightening around the Wyvern Blade as he stepped forward with swift, practiced movements. With a precise strike, he slashed through the rogue wyvern's side, its flesh parting effortlessly as the enchanted blade cleaved it in half. He exhaled sharply, flicking the blood off his blade. "About time we got some real action!"

The beast lunged, but Arden sidestepped, bringing the Wyvern Blade down in a powerful arc that sent the creature sprawling, its body hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Dominic flicked Arcane Magnus, his staff glowing with a fiery aura, and with a precise motion, a burst of fire exploded outward, engulfing two hyenafangs attempting to flank them. "Still think my shortcut was a bad idea?" Dominic smirked, watching the creatures writhe in the flames.

"That shortcut idea isn't looking too bad now, huh?" Dominic smirked, watching the creatures burn.

Selva, standing a few feet away, gripped her sword tightly and lunged forward, intercepting a charging boar with a powerful slash. The blade cut deep, sending the beast stumbling back. "Less talking, more fighting!" she snapped, positioning herself for the next attack.

Leigh gripped Venya, her White Celestial Sword, and slashed through the lunging hyenafang with a swift, radiant arc. As another beast leaped toward her, she swiftly switched to the Celestial Wand, releasing a pulse of divine energy that sent it staggering back. "We need to push forward before more of them show up!"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the adventurers reached an Eyegor camp, its crude wooden defenses barely enough to keep them at bay. The moment they entered, the creatures let out guttural growls and raised their makeshift weapons.

"Looks like they were expecting company," Arden said, gripping the Wyvern Blade tightly, his stance shifting as he prepared for battle.

"Then let's not disappoint them," Dominic replied, gripping Arcane Magnus tightly. The staff crackled with arcane energy as he spun it in his hands, channeling a bright surge of power before launching a concentrated blast of magic toward the approaching enemies.

The ensuing skirmish was fierce but swift; battle-hardened from their previous encounters, the group overwhelmed the Eyegors and claimed the site for their night's rest.

Under the starlit sky, the campfire crackled softly as they settled in for the night, enjoying a well-earned rest after a day of exploration and battle. Selva leaned back against a log, stretching her arms. "Those Eyegors were sure persistent."

Arden smirked, resting his Wyvern Blade across his lap. "And yet, they're starting to feel easier to deal with. The more we fight, the sharper we get."

Leigh stirred the pot of stew over the fire. "That's how it works. Every battle, every enemy we take down, we get stronger. It's not just about power, but understanding how to fight better."

Dominic leaned back, gazing up at the stars. "It's more than that. It's like our bodies are adapting—our reflexes are getting faster, our instincts sharper. We're not just getting stronger, we're evolving."

Selva nodded, flexing her fingers around her sword. "At this rate, we'll be more than ready for what's waiting deeper in the plains."

Arden chuckled. "Good. Because something tells me the real fights haven't even begun yet."

At dawn, with renewed vigor, the group pushed further into the plains, encountering waves of Eyegors and savage wildlife along the way. Every battle came with its own challenges, but they fought with a growing sense of exhilaration. Arden cleaved through an Eyegor with a precise slash of his Wyvern Blade, laughing as he sidestepped another's clumsy swing. "Come on! Is that all you've got? I was hoping for something a little more challenging!"

Leigh dodged an incoming claw strike, retaliating with Venya, her White Celestial Sword, its radiant edge slicing effortlessly through her foe. "You're getting cocky again, Arden. Keep that up, and you'll be eating dirt soon."

Dominic launched a volley of energy blasts from Arcane Magnus, his eyes glinting as he watched them explode upon impact. "No need to hold back. The more we fight, the sharper we get. This is how we train"

Selva smirked, still unable to believe how effortlessly the trio fought, parrying a beast's lunge before driving her blade deep into its torso. "You guys are unbelievable."

Arden grinned as he kicked an Eyegor backward, twirling the Wyvern Blade in his grip. "The more we fight, the sharper we get. But you're still swinging too predictably, Selva. Keep your stance lower, and use your footwork more—don't just rely on brute strength. Make every movement count."

She nodded, taking his advice to heart. "Fine, I'll work on it."

Their journey led them through sprawling grasslands, jagged ravines, and winding riverbanks that cut through the untamed landscape. The more they fought, the more synchronized they became, adapting to each other's movements, reading their enemies, and striking with newfound precision.

By midday, they stood at the base of a towering mountain fortress, its aged wooden ladders leading up to a Viewing Platform that overlooked the entire region. As they began climbing, Leigh glanced at Selva with a smirk. "Bet you've seen this place a dozen times growing up. It's just another landmark for you, isn't it?"

Selva chuckled, gripping the ladder as she climbed. "Not really. I've never had a reason to come this far into the plains before. People from Veyne usually stay close to the city or the safer trade routes."

Leigh raised an eyebrow. "So this is new for you too? Guess that makes us all explorers, then."

Selva smiled. "Looks like it."

Reaching the top, they were met with a breathtaking view—the vast Plains of Veyne stretched endlessly beneath them, with Veyne City visible on the far horizon. Leigh leaned against the wooden railing, taking in the sight. "Not bad. Almost makes me forget about the whole 'giant spider hunting' part."

Selva nudged her. "Almost. But look down there."

Just beyond the southern ridge of the platform, countless Giant Spiders skittered about, their dark forms weaving intricate webs in the shadows. Yet, amidst the eerie silence of the plains, Dominic suddenly felt a strange pull—an unnatural force brushing against his mind. It was as if something, or someone, was calling out to him. A faint whisper echoed in the depths of his consciousness, drawing his gaze toward a distant, ruined altar nestled in the heart of the plains.

"Welcome back Master." The same voice he heard when he found the first of indestructible piece of paper at the Arcane Bazaar. 

He halted, his eyes narrowing. "Something's over there," he murmured, more to himself than the others.

Leigh glanced at him. "Over where?"

Dominic pointed toward the altar. "That place… I don't know why, but it feels like it's calling me. We should check it out."

Arden smirked, resting his hand on the back of his head. "Well, this just got interesting. There's got to be something worth checking out. Let's go."

Selva, however, shuddered at the sight of the altar. "I've heard of that place… The old ruins where the dead never rest. No one who goes there ever comes back the same."

Despite the ominous warning, curiosity burned in Dominic's golden eyes. "That makes it all the more important to investigate."

The group adjusted their course, pressing toward the ruins. As they drew closer, the air grew colder, unnaturally so, and the faint scent of decay wafted through the wind. The closer they got, the more uneasy the others became. Skeletons, ghouls, and even demon skeletons littered the area, their hollow eye sockets glowing faintly with necromantic energy.

Leigh pulled out her Celestial Wand, eyeing the approaching undead warily. "Looks like a good time to practice."

Dominic smirked, stepping beside her. "Alright, Miss Valverde, lesson two—celestial energy is unlike normal magic. It isn't just about destruction, it's about purity. You have to focus not just on attacking but on dispelling the corruption these creatures are bound by."

Leigh nodded, shifting her stance. "Got it. So, how do I—"

Before she could finish, a skeletal warrior lunged at her, its rusted blade raised. Reacting instinctively, she raised the wand, channeling energy through it. A radiant pulse of light shot forward, shattering the undead creature instantly.

Arden whistled, slicing through another with his Wyvern Blade. "Not bad! Maybe I should get myself one of those."

Leigh grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. "Well, that wasn't har?"

Dominic nodded approvingly. "Good, but don't just rely on brute force. Try channeling smaller bursts to weaken them before striking. Celestial magic isn't about overwhelming power, it's about precision."

Leigh exhaled, adjusting her grip. "Alright then, let's see how precise I can get."

The undead continued to rise, but now, Leigh's attacks became sharper, more controlled, guided by Dominic's instruction. The more she fought, the more natural it felt, as if the Celestial Wand itself was responding to her growth.

Selva slashed down a skeleton with a swift strike, her sword cutting through its brittle bones with ease. "This place is crawling with undead!"

Arden unsheathed his Wyvern Blade, his stance firm as a swarm of skeleton warriors clawed their way out of the dirt, their hollow eyes glowing with eerie blue flames. "Then let's clean up!" he said, slicing through two in a single swing.

Leigh raised her Celestial Wand, channeling energy into its core. "I'll handle the ones in the back—Dominic, any advice?"

Dominic spun Arcane Magnus in his grip, blasting a ghoul with a pulse of fire. "Focus on precision, not power. If you hit their core, they won't be able to regenerate."

Leigh smirked. "Got it. Time to put this lesson to use."

The battle was fierce, the undead relentless, but the group held their ground, moving with practiced coordination. Each strike, spell, and counter was executed with precision, their teamwork carving a path deeper into the ruins. As the last of the skeletal warriors crumbled to dust, they pressed onward, finally reaching the very heart of the altar.

Dominic, his hands trembling slightly, felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu as he stepped onto the cracked stone platform. In the center, buried beneath a pile of shattered bones, something glowed faintly. He knelt, brushing away the remains, his breath catching in his throat. A piece of parchment—just like the first one he had found—another page of the Codex of Creation. The familiar hum of power resonated through his fingertips as he reached for it, a familiar voice echoed in his mind again. "Welcome back Master."

What is it doing here?" Dominic muttered, furrowing his brow. "Zellan said the pages were displayed in magic shops across Laoyon, not buried in a cursed ruin."

As soon as Dominic's fingers brushed against the parchment, a surge of raw energy erupted through his body like a violent current. His vision blurred, the present moment fading into a torrent of memories—spells woven with divine precision, battles fought against impossible odds, voices long forgotten calling out his name. His breath hitched, his knees nearly buckling under the overwhelming flood of the past rushing back into him.

His grip tightened on the page as he staggered, the very air around him shimmering with unseen power.

Leigh's sharp gaze caught the shift immediately. "Dominic?" she called, stepping closer, concern etched in her voice. "What's happening?"

Dominic exhaled, steadying himself, his golden eyes flickering with something ancient—something lost, now found. His fingers trembled as he stared at the page, its glow mirroring the dormant power stirring within him.

"This…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is another piece of my past… another step toward reclaiming my memories as the Great Magician Arcana."

A heavy silence fell over the ruins.

Selva, who had been listening, froze in place. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at him, disbelief flashing across her face. "What did you just say?" Her voice was barely audible, yet it carried the weight of someone who had just uncovered an impossible truth.

She took a step back, her pulse quickening. Her gaze darted between Dominic and the others. "You're the Great Magician? The Arcana himself?"

The trio exchanged glances. There was no point in hiding it anymore.

Dominic let out a small sigh. "Yeah, well… it's complicated."

Arden rubbed the back of his head with an awkward grin. "We meant to tell you sooner, but, y'know… things kept happening."

Leigh, scratching her cheek with her finger, shrugged. "And does it really change anything? We're still the same group, still fighting together."

But Selva's expression remained unreadable, her mind reeling as she pieced everything together. "You mean to tell me… I've been adventuring with the actual Great Magician Arcana? The one worshiped by every mage in Laoyon? The literal Creator of this world?"

Dominic ran a hand down his face, his voice calm but firm. "Technically, yes. But I don't remember everything yet. That's why I need these pages—to recover what was lost."

Selva turned sharply toward Arden and Leigh, her disbelief growing. Her voice was nearly a whisper. "If Dominic is the Great Magician Arcana, then…?" She looked at them, trembling slightly, as if finally grasping the enormity of what she had walked into.

Arden smirked, crossing his arms, his stance brimming with unshaken confidence. "The first Arcana, The Fool, if we're being formal." His eyes gleamed with mischief, the weight of such a grand title rolling off his tongue as if it were nothing more than a joke.

Leigh touched her chin, her lips curling into an amused smirk. "They say I'm the Star Arcana." She tilted her head slightly. "But like Dominic, I still need to recover my lost memories."

Selva's hands clenched at her sides as realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. Her voice trembled, a mixture of awe and disbelief intertwining. "So that explains why you guys are so strong… Gods above, I've been training with the very Arcana themselves…" She inhaled sharply. "I've been fighting alongside the Gods."

She took a deep breath, but it barely steadied her. Her heart raced, her mind struggling to keep up with what she had just learned. "This is insane. All this time, I thought you were just overpowered outsiders—but now I find out you're… you're literally the Gods walking among us?"

Leigh clapped her lightly on the back, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Let's just keep it low, okay?"

Selva swallowed hard and nodded, slowly, respectfully.

Dominic chuckled, nudging her playfully. "C'mon, Selva. Not everyone gets the privilege of training under 'The Genius Fool' himself." His smirk widened. "And becoming friends with 'The God of Hope,' The Star. Consider yourself lucky!"

Selva exhaled, still overwhelmed but beginning to process the truth. She had not just stumbled into an adventure—she had stepped into something greater than fate itself.

Dominic turned, gazing at the vast world stretching endlessly before them. "This world."

He took a deep breath, his expression softening into something neither arrogant nor regretful—but proud.

"I never imagined that the world I created would grow into something this exhilarating." His golden eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the horizon. "It has become more than I ever expected, and I couldn't be prouder of what it has become."

Selva stood beside him, no longer just a warrior of Veyne, but a witness to the legends themselves. To fight alongside the Gods of the Tarot World—it was overwhelming, humbling, and terrifying all at once.

But she clenched her fists, a fire igniting in her chest. If fate had placed her here, then she would prove herself worthy of this journey.

The ruins fell silent once more, but the weight of the revelation hung in the air like an unspoken promise.

She knew—this was only the beginning. With newfound resolve, she straightened her posture and met Dominic's gaze with unwavering determination. A proud smile spread across her face. "I will do my best to protect this world you created for us."

Dominic nodded approvingly. "That's all I could ever ask for."

Arden grinned, crossing his arms. "Now that's the spirit."

Leigh chuckled. "Looks like we've got another stubborn one in our ranks."

With their resolve strengthened and their path clear, they turned toward the depths of the Southern Plains, where their true challenge awaited. As they stepped into a clearing, two Giant Spiders lurked at the edges of the tall grass, their many eyes gleaming with eerie intelligence as they noticed the group's arrival.

The hunt for the Abyssal Weaver was about to begin.