Legacy of the Tarot (Laoyon)

A cool breeze swept through the valley as Arden, Leigh, and Dominic stepped beyond the concealed entrance of The Silent Peak Cave, leaving behind their temporary refuge. The air was thick with an energy unlike anything they had felt before—charged, ancient, and almost sentient.

The land stretched before them in breathtaking splendor. Rolling emerald hills melded seamlessly into jagged cliffs, waterfalls cascaded into rivers that shimmered with an ethereal glow, as the retreating Moon yielded gracefully to the radiant Sun's ascent. Trees adorned with crystalline leaves rustled in a rhythm that seemed almost alive, while the distant mountains pulsed faintly, whispering ancient secrets to those attuned to their song.

Arden took a deep breath. "Alright… This place is definitely not normal."

Leigh adjusted her gloves, her sharp gaze scanning the scenery. "It feels… alive."

Dominic stood silent, his expression unreadable. He had created this world once—on a whim, out of pride—but what stood before him now was something entirely different. A world that had flourished and evolved beyond his control.

"I don't remember designing this," he finally admitted.

Leigh arched a brow. "Are you telling me this whole world just built itself?"

Dominic nodded. "It was only meant for training, as my father described when he borrowed the Sigel from Selvia (The Strength Arcana). I never considered what would come after. I expected a world in its worst and most dangerous state."

Arden smirked. "So basically, we're walking through a fifty-thousand-years-old science experiment gone wild?"

Dominic sighed, rubbing his temples. "Not the words I'd use, but… sure."

As they ventured farther from their base, they swiftly dealt with snakes and spiders crossing their path. In the distance ahead, they noticed a dirt road—an area devoid of grass, a clear sign of frequent travel. Following the road, they arrived at a three-way intersection, where they identified three distinct paths leading to what they assumed were the great cities of Laoyon:

Veyne – directing to the southeast. Tvaris – going to the southwest. Kardum – pointing atop a northern hill.

After a brief discussion, they weighed their options. "Veyne seems like the safest bet," Leigh reasoned, glancing toward the southeast. "A city in that direction should give us access to information and supplies."

Arden stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Fine by me. As long as we don't run into any more of Dominic's 'unexpected surprises.'"

Dominic huffed. "I didn't expect surprises either. Let's just get moving."

With their path decided, they set off toward Veyne, their footsteps echoing in the quiet expanse ahead. 

As they walked along the dirt road, they noticed a pack of wolves in the distance. "Well, that explains where you got all the game from, right, Arden?" Dominic asked with a smirk.

"I didn't notice the place because it was dark when I hunted them," Arden admitted. "They should be wild animals without an owner, right?"

Leigh chuckled as Arden scratched the back of his head, clearly guilty as charged. She noticed a small hut up ahead and pointed. "Hey guys, look at that."

They exchanged curious glances before quickening their pace, eager to check it out.

"Mang Ronald's Restaurant?" Leigh read curiously.

Dominic furrowed his brows, deep in thought. "That name... it sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it."

Leigh smirked. "Seriously? It's kind of obvious."

Dominic blinked, realization dawning on him before he burst into laughter. "Oh, now I get it!"

Arden, watching their exchange, remained utterly clueless. "Am I missing something here?"

They arrive at a small roadside eatery known as Mang Ronald's Restaurant. It's a humble, open-air establishment with a thatched roof, wooden benches, and the smell of grilled meat and fresh noodles drifting through the morning air. A large wooden sign hangs above the entrance, carved in bright red letters:

"MANG RONALD'S – FAST FOOD, SLOW COOKED"

A cheerful man with a round belly, thick mustache, and a bright yellow headband waves at them as they approach. This is Mang Ronald, the proud owner of the establishment.

As the trio steps inside, Mang Ronald beams at them.

Mang Ronald called the trio "Welcome to Mang Ronald's! Fresh noodles, warm soup, and unlimited rice! Sit down, sit down!"

Leigh exchanges a glance with Arden, then turns to Dominic, waiting for him to explain their purpose.

Dominic, clearing his throat "Actually, we were hoping to get some information about—"

Mang Ronald interrupting him "Information? Ahh, I see. You must be asking about today's best breakfast combo! We have the 'Warrior's Meal'—perfect for champions like you! Comes with grilled pork, egg, and our famous garlic rice!"

Arden, sniffing the air: "…That actually sounds pretty good."

Leigh, crossing her arms, "Arden, focus. We need a map, not a meal."

Mang Ronald nodding sagely, "Aha! A map, I see. A map to what, my dear customers? To success? To a happy belly? Because let me tell you, if you leave here without eating, you'll regret it for the rest of your journey!"

Dominic rubs his temples, realizing that arguing with a man holding a ladle like a scepter of authority is futile.

Dominic sighed, rubbing his temples. "Look, we just need—"

Mang Ronald raising a finger, "Nonsense! You're warriors! Great champions of the road! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! If you don't eat now, what happens if you pass out mid-battle? Tsk, tsk. I won't allow it. Sit down!"

Before they know it, three plates of steaming food appear before them, Arden's eyes sparkle at the sight of unlimited rice, Leigh sighs but takes a seat, and Dominic… just accepts his fate.

Arden, grinning, "You know… maybe information is best received on a full stomach."

Leigh rolling her eyes, "You're just excited about unlimited rice."

Dominic muttering as he picks up his chopsticks, "If this turns into a two-hour breakfast, I'm hexing the next person who interrupts me."

Mang Ronald clapping his hands, "Now that's the spirit! Eat first, ask later. That's the way of Mang Ronald's!"

And just like that, their quest for knowledge turns into a breakfast detour, much to Mang Ronald's delight.

After the trio finished their breakfast, Leigh leaned forward. "Mang Ronald, do you happen to have a map of Laoyon?"

Mang Ronald chuckled, shaking his head. "A map? Ah, my dear travelers, I am but a humble restaurant owner not a warrior like yourselves. But fear not! You can buy one in Veyne—the Golden Trade City."

Dominic sighed. "Of course. Nothing is ever that easy."

Mang Ronald suddenly grew serious. "Listen well, young ones. Stick to the dirt road. Do not stray from it. No shortcuts, no wandering. The road knows the way."

Arden blinked. "Uh… what happens if we leave the road?"

Mang Ronald narrowed his eyes. "Nothing good."

A heavy silence followed before Dominic clapped his hands. "Right! Dirt road it is. We'll be on our way then."

Mang Ronald grinned again. "Ah, but first—one gold coin for the meal."

Leigh handed him the coin, and the trio said their thanks before continuing their journey, Arden sneaking one last glance at the never-ending rice before stepping out the door. 

As they followed the dirt road toward Veyne City, they spotted a three-story building in the distance. The large wooden sign above the entrance read Wolf Guards Bureau.

Arden squinted at the sign. "Wolf Guards? That explains why there are so many wolves just casually roaming around."

Dominic crossed his arms. "I don't see any guards though. Maybe they're on strike?"

Leigh sighed. "Great. A city guarded by wolves instead of actual guards. What could possibly go wrong?"

As if on cue, a particularly large wolf trotted past them, pausing only to give them a disinterested glance before continuing down the road. Arden whistled. "Well, at least they have a solid patrol system."

As they continue on their way to Venye City, the dirt road stretched endlessly before them, winding through the untamed landscape of Laoyon. Arden walked ahead, his hands behind his head, humming a tune that only he seemed to enjoy. Leigh followed closely, ever alert, her eyes sweeping the terrain for any signs of danger. Dominic lagged slightly behind, absentmindedly twirling Arcane Magnus between his fingers, lost in thought.

They had been walking for hours, the rhythmic crunch of dirt beneath their boots the only sound in the quiet wilderness. But then—

A piercing screech shattered the silence.

It wasn't the cry of a mere bird or beast. It was raw, ancient, filled with rage and suffering, the kind that sent a shiver through the bones. The sound echoed off the cliffs, shaking loose dust and small stones from the mountains towering above them.

Leigh instantly reached for her sword, her stance shifting into combat readiness. Arden had already turned toward the source of the noise, his grin widening with curiosity rather than fear. Dominic, however, had stopped entirely. His grip tightened around Arcane Magnus, and his expression darkened.

"That… didn't sound natural," Leigh murmured, eyes scanning the ridges above them.

"That sounded like an invitation," Arden said, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for a fight.

Dominic exhaled through his nose. "No. That sounded like suffering."

He lifted his free hand and stretched it toward the mountains, fingers splayed, as if feeling the air. A subtle pulse of energy flickered at his fingertips, invisible to the others but clear to him. The very air was tainted with remnants of a powerful curse—one that had lingered for centuries.

"Something's up there," he muttered. "It's bound. It can't leave that mountain, but it's alive. That screech wasn't just noise. It was frustration. Centuries of it."

Arden's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A powerful beast, trapped for who knows how long? That sounds like the perfect training opponent."

Leigh shot him an incredulous look. "You just want to fight it, don't you?"

"Obviously," Arden grinned.

Dominic rubbed his temples, already regretting entertaining the idea. "This isn't some weak stray monster, Arden. This thing was trapped by magic stronger than most of what we've seen. Someone—probably one of the ancient rulers of Laoyon—wanted it sealed away for a reason."

"Then let's find out what that reason is," Arden said, cracking his knuckles.

Leigh sighed, adjusting her grip on her sword. "If you die doing something reckless, I'm not dragging your body back."

Dominic let out a resigned chuckle. "Fine. But if we break something important, I'm hexing the next person who interrupts me."