Journey to the Path of Knowledge

Kale opened his eyes.

The moon hung low in the sky, its silver glow piercing through the thick mist that blanketed the mountainside. His surroundings were eerily quiet, save for the distant howls and faint echoes of battle carried by the wind. He groaned as he pushed himself up, wincing at the pain radiating from his side. Slowly, he sat on a mossy fallen tree nearby, catching his breath.

Battle?

Had one of the elders arrived? Kale wondered, confusion clouding his thoughts. That scream—the deafening sound that had disoriented him—it came from the monster. It had to be.

He tugged at the familiar pull of the Ocean, activating his seeking state. Golden threads and motes of light shimmered into view, weaving through the air around him. He looked up the slope, but the mist obscured everything beyond a few feet. Frustrated, Kale deactivated his active seeking state and sighed deeply.

Good thing the monster didn't come after me instead, he thought grimly.

As he stood, brushing dirt and leaves off his clothes, a sudden realization struck him. Why not just leave this place? He could find another way back to the sect and avoid the chaos altogether.

But then, something caught his eye.

Near a clearing, partially hidden by the mist, was a flower. At first glance, it seemed ordinary—a simple bloom nestled among rocks and moss. Yet something about it drew Kale in, an inexplicable pull that resonated within him. Instinctively, he activated his seeking state again.

To his astonishment, golden threads coiled tightly around the flower, pulsing with energy. Motes of light danced around it like fireflies, their movements hypnotic. Threads stretched upward, connecting the flower to the heavens themselves. Kale followed them with his gaze, looking up at the moon.

It was nearing its zenith.

Turning his attention back to the flower, Kale watched in awe as its petals began to unfurl. They glowed softly, midnight-blue with star-like dust shimmering inside. A dim, ethereal light emanated from it, illuminating the immediate area with a serene radiance.

The threads grew thicker, brighter, responding to the flower's awakening. The motes swirled faster, almost jubilantly, as if celebrating its presence.

It was beautiful. Captivating.

This… is the Moon Bloom flower.

•---•

Kale approached cautiously, his heart pounding in anticipation. Each step felt heavier than the last, as though the flower demanded reverence. When he finally stood before it, he reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing against one of the glowing petals.

A surge of energy coursed through him, unlike anything he'd ever experienced. Fragments of knowledge flooded his mind—visions of ancient rituals, seekers kneeling before similar flowers under the full moon, their faces illuminated by its glow. Whispers echoed faintly in his consciousness:

"Seeker of the Shallows, bearer of untapped depths."

Kale froze, his hand still hovering near the flower.

What did that mean?

Before he could process the information further, a sharp noise snapped him out of his trance—the unmistakable sound of movement nearby. Twigs cracked underfoot, followed by labored breathing. Someone—or something—was approaching.

Kale straightened, gripping his spear tightly. The momentary peace shattered as reality rushed back to him. Whatever significance the Moon Bloom held would have to wait. For now, survival came first.