Arden nodded. "So each group gets over two years of training? That’s more than enough time to grow stronger."


    Dominic let out a low whistle. "Yeah, but that also means whatever’s inside Laoyon is going to have two years to kick our asses..." He paused, then narrowed his eyes. "Wait a second—does that mean I have to go through the entrance test?"


    Zeth smirked. "Of course, but before that, Son, make a sound barrier—this is going to be loud."


    Dominic rolled his eyes but complied, waving his wrist with a flourish. A shimmering veil of energy expanded outward, enclosing the entire cottage. The air seemed to hum with containment, muting all external noise.


    "There, happy?" Dominic muttered. "Now, let’s hurry before someone thinks we’re summoning a demon in here."


    Zeth smirked, "Now we''re ready." He took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling over him. "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."


    He pulled the 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—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."


    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 must be present for the portal to be opened. 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 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.


    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, her arms crossed 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, rubbing his temples. "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, patting Dominic’s back. "Just do your best, anak. No pressure.


    "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.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "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.


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


    With that, the first group—Zeth, Bliss, and Diwata—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 8 hours, 26 months in Laoyon, the Portal flickers and Zeth steps out first, his body radiating a newfound vitality. He had ascended to Tinu Realm (True Realm) Level 1, 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.


    Diwata emerged next, her posture exuding balance and wisdom. She had reached Sulay Realm (Trial Realm) Middle, her spiritual energy refined beyond its former peak. Her once-flowing presence now carried an almost ethereal stillness, as if she had become one with the very air around her. Her body glowed faintly, an indication of the trials she 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, far beyond Zeth and Diwata. She had ascended directly to Lupanay Realm (Ascension Realm) Beginning, a feat unheard of for someone her age.


    Her transformation was undeniable. Her once-gentle aura now burned with the intensity of the sun, golden wisps of energy dancing around her like living flames. Her hair shimmered as if kissed by sunlight, and even the ground beneath her feet seemed to bask in her presence. The Sun Arcana’s potential had bloomed at an exponential rate, her spiritual energy twice as dense as Zeth’s and Diwata’s combined. The sheer heat of her power warped the air around her, making her glow like a celestial being descending to 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, crossing her arms 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.