The group stepped onto The Sentinel’s Peak Estate Training Ground, momentarily lost in awe. The vast expanse stretched beyond their expectations—an enormous open field bordered by towering cliffs that formed a natural arena. In the distance, a cascading waterfall fed into a crystal-clear river, shimmering under the golden sunlight.

  Towering concrete walls enclosed the training ground, giving it the feel of a military base rather than a simple practice area. The vast field stretched out before them, meticulously designed with multiple sections for different combat scenarios. Sparring rings, climbing walls, and endurance tracks were spread across the facility, each built to push its trainees to their absolute limits.

  The ground was a mixture of reinforced sand and hardened earth, capable of withstanding intense physical impact. Large wooden dummies and heavy steel targets stood at various distances, bearing deep cuts and dents from years of rigorous training. In the far corner, an outdoor gym area housed heavyweights, punching bags, and endurance-testing stations.

  The entire estate was built not just for training but for conditioning warriors into something far stronger than they believed possible.

  "This place is incredible..." Dominic muttered, scanning the sheer magnitude of the facility. "It’s like something out of a military sci-fi movie."

  Leigh smirked. "This isn't just a training ground—it's a proving ground for warriors at the highest level."

  Buwan ran a hand over one of the wooden weapon racks, tracing the worn handles of vintage swords, spears, and battle-axes. "This place holds history," she murmured, admiring the craftsmanship. "Every weapon here has seen countless battles, each carrying the weight of warriors who trained before us."

  Arden ran a hand through his hair, letting out a satisfied breath. "It's the perfect place to train without worrying about catching unwanted attention."

  Zeth rested his hands on his hips, his expression unreadable. "It's not about how it looks—it's about what it can make of you. This place will either break you or shape you into something stronger."

  The General clapped his hands sharply, his eyes scanning the group before nodding to Marcos. "Get everyone ready," he commanded, his tone carrying the weight of experience and urgency.

  The group stood at the center of the training ground. From the veranda above, Lucia, Manuel, and Thesa observed them. Lucia called out, "Leigh, anak, don't push yourself too hard, okay?" her voice laced with concern. Thesa locked eyes with Zeth, subtly gesturing for him to keep an eye on Bliss. Zeth met her gaze and gave a reassuring nod, silently acknowledging the responsibility.

  Zeth stood at the center, his sharp gaze scanning the group. "No more holding back. From this point on, we push beyond our limits. If you’re not prepared for that, leave now."

  Bliss bounced on the balls of her feet, her usual playful demeanor replaced with eager determination. "This is going to be fun!" she grinned, then glanced at her father. "Right, Kuya Dominic?"

  Dominic groaned dramatically. "Fun? You and I have very different definitions of that word, Bliss. I just know this is going to hurt."

  Diwata murmured, "I expected no less from The Sun." Though Bliss had yet to regain her memories, she still carried the same unyielding determination of the fearless General she once was, never backing down from a challenge. That unwavering spirit stirred something in Diwata, a reminder of the warrior she once fought beside, igniting a renewed sense of purpose within her. Ever composed, she adjusted the sleeves of her robe and smiled knowingly. "Pain is merely proof of progress," she added, her voice laced with quiet admiration.

  Buwan let out a soft chuckle, rolling her shoulders as she stretched. "That’s easy for you to say. Some of us actually feel pain, you know."

  Akiko smirked, cracking her knuckles. "No complaints when it’s time to push forward. Let’s see who breaks first."

  The General’s eyes gleamed with excitement, his stance firm and resolute, while Marcos stood beside him, poised and ready for action at a moment’s notice. With a smirk, the General clapped Marcos on the shoulder and muttered, "If I end up doing push-ups with you lot, just know I’m blaming Zeth for this."

  Zeth’s smirk widened. "Good. Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s begin."

  Zeth addressed the group with a grave expression, emphasizing the urgency of leveling up. "The Dark Arcana are advancing faster than we anticipated. If we rely on conventional training, it would take years—decades even—due to the lack of spiritual energy on Earth. We don’t have that kind of time."

  He let the weight of his words settle before continuing. "That’s why I’m pushing for a breakthrough to the Immortal Realm in just one month."

  A stunned silence fell over the group, skepticism flickering in their eyes. It was an audacious goal, one that defied logic.

  Zeth smirked, already anticipating their doubts. "I know it sounds impossible. But there’s a way—Laoyon, a Secret Realm created by an Arcana. If we trained in the Tarot World, time would still be limited—one hour there equals a day. But here, on Earth, the difference is astonishing. One day outside is seventy-eight days inside Laoyon."

  The murmurs of disbelief turned into sharp intakes of breath.

  "We’ll divide into three groups and rotate every eight hours. Each group will train inside Laoyon, return, and report their progress. Learn from each other’s experiences, especially about dangerous zones. This won’t be easy—Laoyon is unforgiving. You’ll have to survive with whatever is inside. But I believe in each of you. You can do this."

  His piercing gaze met theirs, daring them to rise to the challenge. The hesitation in the air slowly gave way to determination.

  "Opening the portal to Laoyon has three requirements. First, the Triune Sigil—an artifact created by The Strength, The Wheel of Fortune, and The Magician. Without it, the portal remains sealed."

  Zeth pulled a sigil from within his coat and held it up for all to see. The Triune Sigil was a circular medallion made of a rare, shimmering alloy, its surface etched with three interlocking symbols—a lion’s head representing Strength, a spinning wheel for Fortune, and the five elements symbolizing The Magician. The moment it was exposed to the open air, it pulsed with golden energy, resonating with unseen forces.

  "Second," Zeth continued, "you must be a Major Arcana to open the portal—no Dark Arcana allowed (Arcana with Chaos Energy). The realm itself was designed to filter out anything tainted by corruption. If someone aligned with the Dark Arcana tries to enter, they’ll be repelled immediately."

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  Dominic smirked. "Well, lucky for me, I’m The Magician. Should be smooth sailing, right?"

  Zeth lifted a finger. "Third, and most importantly—one of the three original creators can only open the portal to Laoyon. Without them, the portal remains dormant, no matter how much power we pour into it. This is a failsafe built into Laoyon itself, ensuring only those are worthy can pass through. We can’t force our way in—I almost lost a hand trying once." Zeth flexed his fingers absentmindedly, as if recalling the sharp, searing pain that had laced through his arm the last time he had dared challenge the ancient mechanism. "It was not a pleasant experience."

  Dominic’s smirk faltered. "Wait. You mean... me?" His voice cracked slightly at the end as realization dawned on him.

  "Well, this just got a whole lot more fun—or terrifying. Guess we’ll find out soon enough." The General grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief.

  Arden chuckled. "Two of the creators are missing. That leaves you, Magician."

  Buwan let out a low whistle, shaking her head. "Well, well, the lazy magician turns out to be a crucial key to unlocking an ancient gateway. I did not see that coming."

  Diwata placed a dramatic hand on her forehead. "Oh, what an honor! The fate of our journey lies in the hands of a man who complains about standing too long."

  Akiko sighed as she gave Dominic a blank stare. "If we all die because of you, I hope you know I will be the most vengeful ghost in history."

  Dominic groaned. "Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t remember how to do this! You’re telling me I’m supposed to unlock an ancient, mystical portal, when half the time I forget where I put my shoes?" He turned to Zeth, eyes pleading. "Can’t you do it instead, Pa? I’m much better at making things disappear, not appear!"

  Zeth shrugged. "Nope. You’re the closest thing to The Magician right now. You are The Magician, aren’t you? Or are you just some street performer now?"

  "Leigh smirked. "Dominic, time to step up."

  Bliss giggled, nudging Dominic with her elbow. "Kuya, if you mess this up, I’m telling Mom you did it on purpose."

  Thesa chuckled, locking eyes with Dominic. "Just do your best, anak. No pressure." She gave him a playful thumbs-up, her smile filled with warmth and encouragement.

  "Oh, not you too, Bliss," Dominic groaned, exhaling loudly before straightening his coat and cracking his knuckles. "Fine, fine. Stand back, everyone. Let’s hope I don’t accidentally send us into the Void instead."

  He took a deep breath, gripping the Triune Sigil tightly in his hands. The artifact pulsed as if acknowledging his presence. A strange energy crackled around his fingertips, golden lines slithering across his arms like living tattoos. The ground beneath them hummed, resonating with an unseen force.

  "Alright, here goes nothing," Dominic muttered. He lifted the sigil high, and the symbols on it began to glow—the lion’s head, the spinning wheel, and the five elements intertwining into a radiant formation. The very air around them thickened with pressure, making it harder to breathe. The sky above darkened momentarily, as though reality itself was holding its breath.

  Then, with a flick of his wrist, Dominic thrust the sigil forward, its golden surface igniting as it hovered midair, pulsating with raw energy. The artifact trembled, as though awakening from a long slumber, before a blinding surge of light shot outward, forming an intricate doorway outlined in shimmering symbols.

  Gasps echoed from the veranda as those watching reeled in astonishment, their eyes wide with awe and disbelief.

  A roar of energy erupted from the earth, golden arcs of lightning splitting the air as three enormous rings of light expanded outward, forming intricate runes that spiraled into the sky. The space before them rippled violently, folding inward like an unseen hand was tearing apart the fabric of existence. A deep, guttural hum echoed as the world seemed to pause for just a second.

  Then, with a deafening CRACK, reality split open.

  The Laoyon Portal burst to life, swirling with radiant hues of gold and deep crimson. The wind howled around them, pulling at their clothes as the gateway stabilized. Beyond it, glimpses of an untamed world flickered—a land filled with towering structures of stone, ancient ruins crawling with glowing vines, and monstrous figures lurking in the misty distance.

  Dominic exhaled sharply, shaking his hands as tiny sparks flickered off his fingertips. "Whew. Still got it."

  Arden raised an eyebrow. "That… was surprisingly badass."

  Leigh smirked. "For once, I agree."

  Zeth nodding approvingly. "Not bad, son. Now let’s get moving before the portal decides to close on us."

  Zeth have already arranged the groups that will be training in 8 hours shift rotation:

  First Group: Zeth, Bliss, Diwata and Buwan

  Second Group: Arden, Leigh and Dominic

  Third Group: The General, Akiko and Marcos

  With that, the first group—stepped forward, their figures swallowed by the swirling energy as they vanished into the unknown. The second and third group stood outside the glowing portal, anticipation thick in the air, as they prepared to step next into the unknown.

  After seven hours and half, twenty-five days passed in Laoyon, the Portal flickers and Zeth steps out first, his body radiating a newfound vitality. He had ascended to Langi Realm Level 4, his energy refined to an almost divine sharpness. His movements were lighter, his aura steadier, and the sheer force emanating from him exuded the presence of someone who had touched the fabric of universal truth.

  The group rushed toward the portal, eager to check on their progress. Thesa’s heart pounded with worry, her eyes scanning the shimmering gateway as she anxiously searched for any sign of her baby girl.

  Diwata and Buwan emerged next, her posture exuding balance and wisdom. They had reached Sulay Realm Beginning stage, their spiritual energies refined beyond their former peak. Their once-flowing presence now carried an almost ethereal stillness, as if they had become one with the very air around them. Their bodies glowed faintly, an indication of the trials they had overcome within Laoyon.

  Then came Bliss.

  The moment she stepped out, a surge of radiant energy burst forth, the sheer brilliance of it forcing those nearby to shield their eyes. Bliss had not only caught up—she had surpassed expectations. At just 13 years old, her development had accelerated at an extraordinary rate. She had ascended directly to Hunaya Realm Beginning stage, a feat unheard of for someone her age.

  Her transformation was undeniable. Her once-gentle aura now blazed with the intensity of the sun, golden wisps of energy swirling around her like living flames. Her hair shimmered as if woven from pure sunlight, and even the ground beneath her feet seemed to bask in her radiant presence. The Sun Arcana’s potential had surged at an exponential rate, her spiritual energy now an overwhelming force. The sheer heat of her power distorted the air around her, making her glow like a celestial being descending upon the mortal world.

  Arden whistled. "Well, damn. The kid's a walking supernova now."

  Dominic blinked. "Is it just me, or does it feel like standing too close to her might give you a tan?"

  Zeth smirked, proud but slightly unnerved. "She’s the Sun Arcana, after all. But this... this is beyond what I expected. Bliss, how do you feel?"

  Bliss, still adjusting to the sheer power surging through her veins, clenched and unclenched her fists, her eyes gleaming with a fire unlike before. "I feel... like I could set the whole world alight if I wanted to. But don't worry—I'll be careful."

  Diwata chuckled softly, still absorbing the fact that a 13-year-old had surpassed centuries' worth of traditional training. "Careful or not, the world will have to adjust to you now, not the other way around."

  "Be careful when you approach your mom. Adjust your energy, or you might end up turning her into toast." Zeth chuckled, shaking his head in amused disbelief. "You’re literally radiating enough heat to roast a whole lechon right now."

  "Stop teasing me, Pa!" Bliss pouted, before turning to her mother. "Mama, I'm home!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a newfound vibrancy. Bliss ran toward Thesa, the air around her shimmering with warmth as if even the atmosphere recognized her presence.

  "Oh, my baby girl, look at you. You’ve grown so much!" Thesa gasped, her eyes widening in awe. "You look like a teenager already!" She gently cupped Bliss’s face, marveling at the radiant energy surrounding her daughter, as if she were bathed in perpetual sunlight.

  "Ma, I'm still your baby girl," Bliss pouted again, though the brilliant glow radiating from her made her words almost ironic. Even as she tried to shrink into her mother’s embrace, the warmth she exuded was undeniable—a force of nature wrapped in childlike innocence.

  Zeth clapped his hands. "Alright, next group. Show me what you're made of." Arden, Leigh, and Dominic stepped forward, their expressions a mix of anticipation and determination. The air around them crackled with latent energy as they prepared to enter the secret realm.

  "Laoyon, don't disappoint me," Arden said with a smirk, his confidence unwavering as the group strode into the portal, vanishing into its swirling depths.

  ??? Dear Readers, ???

  Thank you for being part of this journey through Legacy of the Tarot (The Fool). Chapter 39 marks an important transition as our characters prepare for their next challenge inside Laoyon Secret Realm.

  At this point, Legacy of the Tarot (The Fool) will take a brief pause to make way for its sequel novel, Laoyon. This sequel will uncover the trials, breakthroughs, and deeper mysteries awaiting our heroes inside the secret realm.

  ?? What to expect in Laoyon:?? Intense training and power breakthroughs.??? Exploration of Laoyon’s hidden history.?? Unexpected encounters and long-lost figures.?? Deeper connections to the Tarot World.

  We invite you to continue the adventure in Laoyon, where challenges will push our characters beyond their limits. Legacy of the Tarot (The Fool) will resume after their first day of training in the real world.

  Your support means everything, and we’re excited for you to witness the next phase of this epic journey.

  ? See you in Laoyon! ?

  – With gratitude, Author ?