The atmosphere outside Zeth's house turned both nostalgic and electric as the realization dawned upon everyone that they were witnessing a reunion of two ancient Arcana. The others exchanged curious glances, sensing the weight of the moment. The lighthearted warmth from a moment ago had now been replaced by a deeper, more profound energy that seemed to hang in the air.

  Leigh stepped closer to Arden, her expression a mix of awe and curiosity. “You know each other?” she asked softly, her voice cutting through the silence.

  Arden chuckled, releasing Zeth’s hand. “Let’s just say Justice and I go way back—farther than I even care to remember.” He turned to Zeth, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve aged well, Zeth. Better than I expected.”

  Zeth smirked. “Immortality doesn’t come with beauty perks, Fool. It takes discipline.” His eyes sparkled with humor, though his tone carried a faint edge of seriousness. “Damn Fool, look at you… you’re about the same age as my son Dominic. How did you end up reincarnating on Earth?”

  Before Arden could reply, Bliss wiggled free from Dewata’s embrace, darting toward Zeth and tugging at his sleeve. “Papa, is it time to eat? I’m starving.”

  Zeth’s hardened expression melted instantly as he knelt to ruffle her hair. “Soon, Bliss. Go ask your Mama to set the table.”

  Thesa stood at the entrance, her bright smile lighting up her face as she welcomed their guests. Bliss ran back to her and was promptly scooped up into her arms. “You’ve arrived just in time for breakfast!” Thesa announced, gesturing toward the outdoor dining table. “Come, come, the food is ready!”

  As they walked toward the outdoor dining area, Thesa glanced at Dominic with a warm smile. "You seem excited to be home again."

  Dominic chuckled, stretching his arms. "Of course, Mama. Japan was great, but nothing beats waking up to the smell of Cebuano breakfast."

  Thesa nodded, amusement in her eyes. "I figured. You always were a picky eater when it came to food away from home."

  "Not picky—just loyal to good food," Dominic corrected with a playful grin.

  Thesa laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, then, I suppose I should take that as a compliment. Let's get inside before Bliss eats everything."

  The three Goddesses and Leigh followed Thesa and Dominic’s lead, heading directly to the outdoor dining area just next to the veranda of the house entrance.

  “Sir, this way, please,” Zeth gestured respectfully to the General. Akiko and Marcos escorted the General toward the house.

  The General took a deep breath, savoring the air. “It’s been a long time since I felt this nostalgic yet refreshed,” he said, a hearty laugh escaping his lips.

  Zeth’s face turned serious as he glanced at Arden. “Bliss is The Sun,” he said, his voice low and steady. Arden raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further.

  “I know you have many questions, Fool,” Zeth continued, “and I have plenty to ask you as well. Let’s talk after breakfast.” The two of them followed the General and the group.

  The Felicio residence, nestled in the serene hills of Consolacion, exuded simplicity and warmth. Unlike the grandeur of the Valverde estate, Zeth’s modest home reflected a humble yet inviting charm. The house featured three bedrooms, a single toilet, and a cozy kitchen slightly elevated above the living room. A veranda adorned the entrance, leading to an outdoor dining area shaded by a sturdy fruit-bearing Atis tree. Beside it, a small garage nestled under a bang house, a spot cherished for family gatherings during Dominic’s childhood. Behind the bang house stood a tall Papaya tree, its ripe fruits filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

  The long wooden dining table was laden with a hearty Cebuano breakfast. Steaming bowls of arroz caldo, crispy danggit glistening with golden perfection, fluffy scrambled eggs, garlic fried rice, and fresh slices of mangoes and bananas adorned the table. The scent of freshly brewed sikwate coffee mingled with the aroma of warm, freshly baked pandesal. Grilled Cebu longganisa added a smoky sweetness to the spread, served with tangy vinegar infused with chili for dipping. A platter of ripe Atis and sweet Papaya fruits completed the meal, their vibrant colors matching the inviting atmosphere.

  Dominic’s eyes widened as he inhaled the tantalizing aroma. “This… this is what I missed,” he declared, practically rushing to the table.

  Thesa chuckled, her voice playful. “Dominic, slow down! The food’s not going anywhere. You act like you haven’t eaten in weeks.”

  “Technically, it’s been weeks since I had real food,” Dominic quipped, grabbing a pandesal. “No offense to Japan, but nothing beats home.”

  Buwan raised an eyebrow, leaning against the table as she helped herself to some mango slices. “You do realize you’ve been eating nonstop since we left, right?”

  “True,” Dewata added with a smirk, adjusting Bliss on her lap as the little girl nibbled on a piece of longganisa. “He even asked for extra sushi when we were at the ramen shop.”

  Bliss, in her tiny voice, chimed in. “Kuya Dominic eats too much.”

  The group burst into laughter, and Dominic held up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, I get it. But can I at least eat in peace without the commentary?”

  “Not a chance,” Akiko said softly, her lips curling into a faint smile as she sipped her sikwate.

  Leigh, seated across from Dominic, tilted her head with a playful grin. “You do make it easy, Dominic. You’ve practically become our walking punchline.”

  The General let out a hearty chuckle, watching the banter unfold as he poured himself a cup of sikwate coffee. “It’s good to see you all relaxed for once. Feels like we’ve been running on fumes for weeks.”

  Arden, seated quietly near the end of the table, looked around at his companions. “It’s moments like this that remind me why we keep going,” he said, his voice thoughtful.

  Zeth, who had been observing with a bemused expression, finally spoke up. “Arden’s right,” he said, his tone steady but warm. “Strength isn’t just about what you can do. It’s about the people you stand with. If you can laugh like this after everything you’ve faced, then you’re already stronger than you know.”

  A thoughtful silence fell over the group as they absorbed Zeth’s words. Even Dominic, for once, appeared reflective.

  “Well said, Zeth,” the General replied, raising his cup in acknowledgment. “Now let’s make sure we’re strong enough for what’s coming.”

  Thesa clapped her hands together, breaking the moment with her cheerful tone. “Alright, enough serious talk! There’s still plenty of food, and I won’t have anyone leaving this house hungry.”

  The conversation lightened again as the group returned to their plates. Buwan teased Dewata about spoiling Bliss, who was now perched on her lap, happily munching on a mango slice. Akiko listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with dry humor that earned chuckles from the others. Leigh and Dominic, meanwhile, debated whether garlic rice or plain rice paired better with danggit.

  As the plates were cleared and the morning air settled into a comfortable warmth, Arden wandered toward the bang house. The scent of ripe papaya and the lingering aroma of sikwate still hung in the air. He sat on the lantay—an old, polished wooden bed made of bamboo—his fingers absentmindedly tracing its surface.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  His mind replayed everything that had happened—from the terrifying Ongo in Bohol, the lingering spirits of the Kakuluwang Bukid in Panglao, the whispered echoes of the Tarot World War six centuries ago, to the relentless battle against the Tyanak in Japan.

  And most concerning of all—The Hanged Man.

  The Dark Arcana had revealed himself. The threats were growing stronger.

  And the team wasn’t ready.

  Arden exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. They needed more power. More discipline. More preparation.

  "Lost in thought, Fool? This was where the kids used to take their afternoon naps when they were young."

  Arden didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Zeth stood behind him, carrying two cups of sikwate. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Arden’s turmoil, as if seeing right through his thoughts.

  “I’m worried,” Arden admitted, lying back on the lantay and placing his hands behind his head as a makeshift pillow. “The enemies are stronger than I expected. If The Hanged Man is already making his move, then the other Dark Arcana won’t be far behind. We’ll be facing them soon.”

  He turned his gaze to Zeth. "They're not ready yet."

  Zeth handed him a cup of sikwate, tilting his head slightly. "So, you come to me?"

  Arden smirked. "I figured you’d have a solution. You always do."

  Zeth let out a low chuckle. "Oh, I do know of a way." His expression turned slightly mischievous. "But I should warn you—it’s not going to be easy."

  "I didn't expect it to be," Arden replied, sitting up to take the sikwate.

  Zeth exhaled through his nose, his eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation. "The Peak of the Lupanay Realm," he began. "That’s the best I can push most of your team—Leigh, Dominic, the bodyguards, even that old war dog." he gestured toward the General, who was now seated under the Atis tree, sipping his tea. "They’ll all have to push past their current limits if they want to reach that Realm." Breaking through to the Immortal Realm afterwards will depend on their luck and determination.

  Arden nodded. "But reaching that realm takes a very long time. Time that we don’t have."

  A knowing grin spread across Zeth’s lips. "Who said anything about time?"

  He took a step forward, his voice lowering slightly as if sharing a secret. "That crazy woman… It took immense effort to convince her to help me regain the power I lost after escaping the void. Someone you knew very well."

  Arden’s curiosity piqued. "You mean Selvia?"

  Zeth’s grin widened. "Who else? The Strength. She’s always been obsessed with surpassing you, you know."

  Arden blinked. His mind immediately recalled the stories of Strength—one of the Major Arcana. She was legendary for her raw power, her sheer ability to break through any obstacle—both physically and spiritually. Yet, she was always second to him.

  "She has a way to break past the Immortal Realm in a very short time," Zeth continued, his voice carrying an almost nostalgic tone. "It’s brutal. Merciless, even. But effective."

  Arden crossed his arms. "And you think this will work for us?"

  Zeth scoffed. "No. I’m certain it will." clapping a hand on Arden’s shoulder. "And lucky for you, I still have the artifact to open that Secret Domain. I tried it myself after I got out of the Void. I almost lost all my power back then—I dropped realms all the way back to Agos."

  Arden raised an eyebrow. "And?" Zeth exhaled sharply. "The energy of Earth is scarce. Luckily, I met Selvia in a boxing match at Cebu Coliseum. I could feel she had regained her Realms and asked her how she did it. I was dating Thesa at that time—she really gave me a hard time convincing her to lend me the artifact."

  Arden asked, "Where is Selvia now?" He knew her well, and her presence confirmed that this was exactly what his team needed at this moment.

  Zeth sighed, shaking his head. "That crazy woman never stays in one place. She's always looking for someone to spar with. You know how she is—obsessed with strength, relentless in her pursuit."

  Arden smirked. "And what exactly did Strength ask from you to make you call her a crazy woman after lending you the artifact?"

  Zeth let out a low chuckle, rubbing his temples as if recalling a traumatic memory. "Let’s just say… it wasn’t a fair trade. She never gives anything for free. She made me wear a frilly pink tutu and dance ballet in the middle of the ring—right after she knocked me out in front of Thesa. I think Thesa laughed harder than she ever had in her life. I, on the other hand, am still trying to recover from the embarrassment."

  "So what exactly is in the Secret Realm?"

  Zeth chuckled, shaking his head. "You don’t ask what’s inside Laoyon, Fool. You survive it."

  Straightening his posture, Zeth continued, "We'll need a proper training ground where we can use the artifact without drawing too much attention."

  Arden smirked. "That just makes me want to go even more."

  "I was waiting for you to say that," Zeth laughed.

  As the laughter faded, Arden suddenly tilted his head. "By the way, how did The Magician and The Sun become your kids?"

  Zeth’s grin faltered slightly before he exhaled. "Before I got sucked into the Void, I saw how The Magician risked his life to correct his mistake—accidentally opening the Void. He fell into a trap laid by the Dark Arcana. It was their plan all along."

  Arden’s expression hardened. "And The Sun?"

  Zeth’s gaze darkened slightly. "I was with The Sun at the time, fighting The Tower when the Void opened. I got distracted seeing The Magician falling from the sky—I didn’t see The Tower’s attack coming. The Sun took the hit for me… and died."

  There was a long silence.

  "Blinded by rage, I unleashed my strongest attack, sending The Tower hurtling through the void. In that fleeting moment, I seized the chance to rescue The Sun’s spirit… then turned, sprinting to reach The Magician’s spirit before the darkness could consume us all."

  Zeth sighed. "When I woke up, I found myself in the middle of the war in Mindanao. I had no idea where I was or how much time had passed. Desperate to survive, I ended up fighting alongside the local forces. That’s when I met the General. He saw my skills and gave me a chance—a new identity in the Philippines. I took it. It was either that or be hunted down."

  Arden listened intently as Zeth continued.

  "I met my wife, Thesa, in the training camp. We… grew close. I told her everything—the Tarot World War, how I ended up here. We got married, and eventually, she got pregnant with Dominic."

  Zeth smiled faintly. "The Magician’s spirit chose to reincarnate as my eldest son. And The Sun… she chose to reincarnate as my second child, Bliss."

  His eyes met Arden’s, intensity burning in his gaze. "That’s what I don’t understand—how the hell did you come back? We all saw it, Fool. You weren’t just a warrior that day, you were the final key, the very essence that locked Chaos away. Your existence was the sacrifice that sealed the void. You shouldn't be standing here. You should be gone."

  Arden’s expression turned unreadable.

  "I don’t know," Arden admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have no memory of it. One moment, I was gone—nothing but darkness. Then, I woke up in this world, with nothing but Lolo Lando. He took me in, trained me relentlessly, pushed me beyond my limits until I reached the peak of the Lupanay Realm. And then, he gave me a purpose—to find the other Arcana and restore balance to the Tarot World."

  Zeth’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Hmmm… so the Hermit has been with you all along."

  Arden frowned. "The Hermit? I barely saw him in the Tarot World. He never stayed in one place long enough to claim a mountain peak in the Kingdom."

  Zeth chuckled. "That’s because he’s always traveling. He searches for the mysteries of the universe. They say his lantern can pierce even the deepest shadows cast by Chaos, revealing secrets no one else dares to see. The Hermit is a well-respected figure in the Tarot World. His guidance benefits everyone, even those who refuse to acknowledge it."

  Arden exhaled deeply, his thoughts aligning with the weight of the revelation. "So, Lolo Lando is The Hermit," he murmured, a faint smile of respect forming on his lips. "It's time to go home and ask the old man."

  The late morning sun cast golden streaks through the trees as Arden and Zeth made their way toward the General, who sat comfortably under the Atis tree, sipping his tea with the composure of a man who had seen far too many battles to be easily impressed.

  Arden took a deep breath, his tone measured and respectful. "Sir, we need a secluded place to train—somewhere isolated, where we can push our limits without risking unwanted attention. The battles ahead will demand more from us than ever before, and if we don’t prepare properly, we’ll be walking into a storm unarmed."

  The General raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. He took another slow sip of his sikwate, allowing the weight of Arden’s words to sink in. The silence stretched, heavy with contemplation. Then, finally, he set his cup down and spoke, his voice calm but firm.

  The General leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "You’ll need a secure place to train, away from prying eyes." He looked at Zeth, then at Arden. "Stay at the Sentinel’s Peak Estate. It’s isolated enough, and with my men stationed there, you won’t have to worry about interruptions."

  Zeth nodded approvingly. "That’ll do."

  The General smirked, shifting his gaze between the two of them. "You’re excited, aren’t you?"

  Zeth chuckled, his expression turning downright mischievous. "Oh, you have no idea Sir."

  Arden turned back toward the house, where the others were still chatting and enjoying the last bits of breakfast. His gaze settled on Leigh, Dominic, Marcos, Bliss, and the three Goddesses. They had grown strong—there was no doubt about that. But strength alone wouldn't be enough. They needed to be prepared for what was coming. Arden clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.

  “Tomorrow,” he declared, turning back to Zeth and the General. “We start our training.”

  A resolute fire burned in his eyes as he exhaled slowly, his hands clenching at his sides. "I will make them ready. No matter what it takes."

  As the words left his lips, a sudden gust of wind rustled through the trees, as if the very air itself was bracing for what was to come. In the distance, a shadow shifted beyond the tree line—watching. Waiting.

  Hi Readers,

  I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey with me. Writing Legacy of the Tarot (The Fool) has been a labor of love, and as a solo writer, every chapter, every battle, and every twist in the story has been something I’ve poured my heart into.

  As I continue developing this world, I realize that some adjustments are needed to ensure a more realistic and immersive progression system. The Dark Arcana, ancient beings, and legendary figures have ruled the Tarot World for over six centuries, meaning our protagonists need a way to catch up in a very short time without it feeling forced or unrealistic.

  That’s why I’m refining the Laoyon Realm’s training system. While it provides an immense advantage with its time dilation, I want to make sure power progression remains earned and balanced. The Dark Arcana do not know about the Laoyon Realm, giving our characters an edge—but that alone won’t be enough to close the gap. They will still need trials, enlightenment, and combat experience to grow.

  ? The training arc will be structured more carefully, ensuring that reaching the Immortal Realms still feels significant and not rushed.

  ? Growth will be fast but logical—our characters will have to earn every breakthrough, not just sit in Laoyon and level up like a game.

  ? The Dark Arcana remain an overwhelming threat. Even with the power of Laoyon, our protagonists will still have to fight strategically, uncover lost knowledge, and master their abilities to stand a chance.

  I’m writing this novel alone, without a team, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. But seeing your support, your reactions, and your excitement keeps me going.

  Every comment, every discussion, and every piece of feedback motivates me to push forward and create something truly unforgettable.

  I may be writing this story alone, but knowing that there are readers who care about it makes me feel like I’m not alone in this journey.

  So from the bottom of my heart—thank you. Thank you for reading, for believing in this story, and for being part of Legacy of the Tarot.

  If you have thoughts, theories, or just want to share your excitement, I’d love to hear from you!

  Your support means everything.

  See you in the next chapter—our journey is only just beginning!

  Solo Author of Legacy of the Tarot (The Fool)