Mist blanketed a quiet lake, its surface smooth as glass. An abandoned boat drifted lazily, breaking the stillness with its slow movement. Suddenly, it bumped against something beneath the water, altering its course. Ripples spread outward as a scaled snout emerged briefly, sniffing at the air above. Whatever lurked below shifted again, disturbing the once-pristine surface.
•---•
Back in the sect, Kale sat cross-legged in his small quarters, his breathing steady as he prepared to dive into the Ocean of Knowledge. He closed his eyes and reached for the familiar pull within him. Golden threads stretched endlessly around him, glowing faintly as they pulsed with energy. His focus was sharp, and his goal clear. He wanted to sharpen his senses.
He imagined being able to notice even the smallest details—tracks left by footsteps, subtle shifts in light, or patterns that hinted at what might happen next. As he reached for these fragments of knowledge, they began forming naturally in his mind. Each one tied into his anchor, Perception, solidifying his foundation in the Shallows. If he kept using them, these fragments would grow stronger, allowing him to access deeper insights later.
When Kale pulled himself out of the Ocean, his mind buzzed with new clarity. Everything around him felt sharper, clearer. A knock sounded at his door, startling him from his thoughts.
"Kale," a voice called from outside. "You're needed at the first dojo. Now."
Kale stood up slowly, his heart pounding. Before heading out, he decided to test his newfound abilities. His eyes scanned the room, picking up things he'd never noticed before—the tiny specks of dust floating in the morning light, the uneven grooves in the wooden floor, the way sunlight streamed through cracks in the wall, warming patches of the cold stone. Colors seemed brighter, textures more distinct. Even the dim lighting felt inviting, almost beautiful.
The voice outside spoke again, this time firmer. "Are you coming? We don't have all day."
Kale ignored the impatience in the tone and focused instead on the sound itself. The man's voice was crisp and deep, carrying a slight echo as if he were standing near an open space. Then came the crunch of leaves underfoot as the man shifted his weight. Kale listened intently, noticing how each step carried a unique rhythm. It was as though the world had opened itself up to him, revealing layers he'd never perceived before.
Kale felt a spark of genuine excitement about his progress. His sight and hearing were noticeably sharper now, though not fully mastered yet. Still, it was enough to give him confidence. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, then opened the door and stepped outside. The cool morning air greeted him as he made his way toward the first dojo, wondering what Elder Myrra had planned for him.
As he walked, the disciple who had summoned him fell into step beside him. "Elder Myrra doesn't like to be kept waiting," the man said, his tone gruff but not unkind.
"I'm aware," Kale replied simply, keeping his gaze forward.
The man chuckled softly. "Good. You'll need to keep your wits about you today."
Kale nodded, though his mind was already elsewhere, focused on the task ahead.