Legacy of the Tarot (Laoyon)

The ancient stone steps leading up the eastern mountain were worn and cracked, overgrown with vines and partially buried under layers of dust and time. They climbed in silence, the air thick with tension, the earlier screech still ringing in their ears.

When they reached the peak, the view made them freeze in place.

Across the valley, perched atop the opposite peak, was a massive Wyvern. Its scales, once a brilliant silver, were now dull and scarred. Its tattered wings hung motionless, as if paralyzed. But the most striking thing was the red arcane chains wrapped around its limbs, glowing faintly, pulsing in rhythm with its slow, heavy breathing.

The creature turned its head toward them.

Yellow eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light, locked onto Dominic's own. A deep, rumbling growl rolled through its throat. The chains pulsed violently, reacting to their presence.

"That thing is ancient," Leigh whispered.

"And pissed," Arden added.

Dominic narrowed his eyes. "It recognizes something about me…" He paused, his voice lowering. "Maybe because I created this world."

The Wyvern let out another screech, its body trembling as if trying to break free.

"Then let's go introduce ourselves properly," Arden said, already turning toward the western mountain's steps.

The moment their feet touched the western peak, the arcane chains around the Wyvern pulsed violently. The ground beneath them shook as red cracks spread across the stone, the very air twisting with unstable energy.

Dominic barely had time to react before the chains shattered.

With an ear-splitting roar, the Wyvern unleashed a burst of chaotic wind, forcing them to brace themselves. The moment its limbs were free, it lunged forward, talons outstretched.

Arden twisted to the side, narrowly dodging as the Wyvern's massive claw slammed into the ground, leaving a deep trench in the stone.

Leigh retaliated instantly, her sword flashing in the air as she sliced across its leg, silver sparks flying upon impact.

Dominic raised Arcane Magnus, his voice low as he cast a barrier of compressed air, blocking the tail strike that nearly flattened them all.

"This thing's fast!" Arden shouted.

"Then we need to be faster," Leigh shot back.

The Wyvern took to the skies, despite its damaged wings. It moved with unnatural speed, teleporting in short bursts of flickering chaos energy.

Dominic's eyes flickered with realization. "It's using the curse itself as a weapon—it's warping through Chaos Energy!"

With another flash, the Wyvern reappeared—directly behind Leigh.

She barely had time to react before it swiped at her, sending her skidding back with the force of a small explosion.

"Leigh—!" Arden launched himself forward, slamming both fists into the Wyvern's side, the impact sending a shockwave through the peak. The creature screeched in fury, retaliating with a breath of condensed Chaos Energy, the blast warping the space around them.

Arden planted his feet, crossing his arms as the blast struck him head-on. The ground shattered beneath him, but he stood firm.

"It's regenerating!" Leigh shouted as the Wyvern's wounds began to mend.

"Not for long," Dominic muttered, raising Arcane Magnus high. With a burst of energy, he severed the Chaos flow fueling its regeneration.

"Leigh, now!"

With a burst of pure speed, Leigh leapt forward, her blade piercing directly into the Wyvern's heart.

The beast let out one final, deafening screech—then collapsed.

The battlefield fell silent. The once-raging Wyvern now lay still. But strangely, its body didn't decay.

The fallen Wyvern's body lay still, its chaotic energy having finally dissipated into the land. The trio stood over it, catching their breath. The battle had been intense, but the rewards? Worth the effort.

Leigh was the first to spot something glinting in the Wyvern's remains. She bent down, sweeping aside some loose gravel, and uncovered a small pile of gold coins buried in the dirt.

She picked up the coins, counted them, then held them up with a smug look.

"Ninety gold coins," she announced, tucking them into her belt pouch. "From now on, I'll be handling the budgeting."

Arden, who had crouched beside the Wyvern, already had a different prize in mind. With practiced efficiency, he pulled out his dagger and began cutting into the Wyvern's side.

Leigh crossed her arms. "Arden… what exactly are you doing?"

Without looking up, he continued slicing through the thick hide, carefully extracting several large cuts of meat.

"The Wyvern's meat is rich in primal energy," he explained. "It can help with our breakthroughs. We need to stock up."

Leigh arched an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan on carrying all of that?"

Arden paused mid-slice, looking at the pile of Wyvern Heartmeat he had already harvested. Then, with a sheepish grin, he reached for his backpack.

"Oh, right. I forgot to mention… this isn't an ordinary bag." He lifted it up. "This Leather Backpack is actually a Dimensional Satchel. It can hold more than you can imagine."

Leigh blinked. Then she sighed, rubbing her temple. "You just conveniently forgot to tell us that, huh?"

Dominic, meanwhile, had his attention on something else. Near the Wyvern's chest, a strange talisman lay partially buried beneath its scales. He picked it up, turning it over in his hand. The Wyvern Tether Charm pulsed faintly with residual energy.

Leigh, still sorting through the loot, spotted a deep-blue gemstone nestled near the talisman. She picked it up without hesitation.

"I'll take this."

Arden glanced over. "You're just pocketing gems now?"

Leigh shrugged. "It's budgeting. And I like shiny things."

Nearby, a sturdy-looking bolt with silver engravings caught Arden's attention. He picked it up, inspecting its craftsmanship before casually tossing it into his bag.

"Looks valuable. Maybe we can find a buyer in Veyne."

Leigh had moved onto another find—a Big Bottle of Health Potion, its deep red liquid swirling inside a thick glass container. She held it up to the light before tossing it into Arden's satchel.

"We'll need to find smaller vials to portion this out."

As she continued sifting through the loot, she pulled out a beautifully crafted emerald bangle, twirling it between her fingers.

"Oh, this one's definitely mine." She smirked, slipping it onto her wrist before shooting a teasing glance at Dominic.

Dominic, who had been too focused on the talisman to care about gems, raised an eyebrow.

"And what exactly makes that a 'girl thing'?"

Leigh grinned. "Oh, wouldn't you like to know?"

Dominic rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to a Fire Wand partially buried in the rubble. He plucked it free, inspecting the engraved runes along its surface. With a huff, he spun it in his hand before stuffing it into his coat.

"Let's just sell it. It's not even a fraction of Arcane Magnus' power."

The last item caught Arden's attention. A Wyvern Blade, still razor-sharp, protruded from the beast's skull. He gripped the base, giving it a few experimental swings, checking its balance. The weight felt solid, better than his last weapon.

With a satisfied nod, he twirled it in his hand. "This'll do. Much better than the last."

Dominic exhaled, clapping his hands together. "Alright, loot's secured. Let's get moving before something else big and nasty decides to show up."

Leigh dusted off her sleeves. "Agreed. Veyne's not far, and I'd rather spend gold in a city than on another battlefield."

Arden grinned, shouldering his bag. "Yeah, yeah. But admit it, that was fun."

Leigh sighed. "Fun isn't the word I'd use."

Dominic smirked as they began their descent down the mountain. "Then what would you call it?"

Leigh glanced back at the silent mountain, where the Wyvern's body lay still, fading into the mountain's memory.

"Necessary."— "What was it guarding?" Leigh asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Dominic stared at the peak. "Not what. Where."

Arden dusted off his clothes, grinning. "Guess we'll find out another day. For now, let's go get that world map."

With one last glance at the cursed peak, they descended, leaving behind the fallen guardian—and whatever secrets still lay buried beneath the mountain.

And with that, they set off toward Veyne, leaving behind the echoes of battle and the weight of an ancient curse that had finally been lifted.

On their way to Venye, they reached a small bridge connecting the dirt road to a cobbled pavement that marks the proper entrance to the city. As the trio stepped into the bustling marketplace of Veyne, the air was filled with the sounds of merchants shouting their deals, the clinking of gold coins, and the rhythmic clopping of hooves on cobblestone.

Near the edge of the marketplace, a large wooden stable stood proudly, its gate adorned with a finely painted sign:

"Elysia's Stables – The Fastest Hooves in Laoyon!"

Inside, a woman with bronzed skin, tied-back auburn hair, and piercing green eyes leaned casually against a stall, idly twirling a piece of straw between her fingers. She wore sturdy leather riding gear, the kind that spoke of someone who had spent more time on horseback than on foot.

As the trio approached, she grinned. "Ah, travelers. You look like the type who need speed beneath your feet. Interested in the finest mounts Veyne has to offer?"

Leigh tilted her head. "That depends. What's so special about your horses?"

Elysia smirked, stepping aside to gesture toward the row of magnificent creatures behind her. "Every horse here is bred for endurance, intelligence, and pure speed. Whether you're crossing the open plains or cutting through dense forest paths, these beauties will carry you farther than your own legs ever could."

Arden leaned against the stall, eyeing a particularly sleek black stallion. "And what's the price?"

Elysia tapped her chin, considering. "Depends on the horse. Standard breeds start at fifty gold coins. But if you want something special…" She turned and patted the neck of a gray mare with a silver mane, its intelligent eyes glinting like polished steel. "Stormborn here? A hundred and twenty gold. Fast as a whisper in the wind."

Dominic crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Do you sell anything... unusual?"

Elysia's smirk deepened. "Ah. You mean the spirit-bound breeds. Those aren't for just anyone. Only those who've earned the trust of the land."

Arden exchanged a glance with Leigh, interest flickering in his eyes. "Spirit-bound?"

Elysia shrugged. "Rare creatures. Part legend, part reality. But you'd have to prove yourself first before I'd even consider selling one."

Leigh folded her arms, glancing at Arden and Dominic. "We should focus on getting supplies first. But… a mount wouldn't be a bad investment."

Arden grinned. "Let's keep it in mind. You never know when we might need to outrun something."

Elysia chuckled, tipping her head toward them. "Come back when you're serious. And bring gold. My horses don't run for free."

As they turned to leave, the neighing of a distant horse echoed through the marketplace, and Elysia's smirk remained, as if she already knew they'd be back.

Not faraway from Elysia's Stables, they a step going up the next level and went up the steps.

Finally, the trio arrived in the Southeast gate of Veyne – The Golden Trade City