The silver light of the moon pierced through the horizon, casting pale beams that filtered weakly through the mist-shrouded forest. Howls echoed across the high peaks of the mountains, carried by the biting wind that chilled Kale to the bone. His hair fluttered as the breeze swept past, and he pulled his cloak tighter against the cold. This was the night—the moment when the Moon Bloom flower would fully blossom under the full moon's glow.
Kale still didn't know what effects the flower might have. If he could get close enough, he planned to use his active seeking state to glean fragments of information about it. There wouldn't be time for the traditional method—not with Alden chattering incessantly beside him. The chubby boy's constant stream of words grated on Kale's nerves, fueling the growing suspicion in his mind. Though Kale had no concrete evidence, he was certain Alden harbored ulterior motives—whether directed at him or something else entirely, it left Kale uneasy.
His active seeking state had limitations. He needed a specific target to glean knowledge from, and even then, only fragments of basic information would surface in his mind. It wasn't enough to piece together anything complex, and the insights were restricted to the chosen subject. Perhaps his mastery was lacking, but Kale couldn't be sure. For now, it was a tool—one he intended to use sparingly and wisely.
Alden continued talking as they climbed higher, rambling about animals, their journey, and random observations that made Kale want to scream. Just as frustration bubbled over, Alden suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! We're near! I recognize those rocks—they match the vision I got about the rare ores' location."
Kale kept his guard up, wary of Alden's sudden enthusiasm. Something about the mist felt heavier tonight, thicker than before—or maybe it was just his imagination playing tricks on him. They were close to the summit now, but before they could reach it, a loud noise shattered the eerie stillness below them.
Mist swirled violently, revealing ghostly shapes moving within. Three figures emerged, accompanied by a monstrous silhouette looming behind them. Fenric—and his goons. But worse yet, there was the creature towering above them all.
"What the hell is that thing?!" Alden whispered, his voice trembling with concern.
Kale tugged at the familiar pull of the Ocean, trying to access threads or motes—but nothing appeared near the monster. Only faint golden lights hovered around Fenric and his companions. Whatever this creature was, it seemed beyond the reach of the Ocean's knowledge.
With a grim expression, Kale turned to Alden. "We need to run. Now."
"Why?" Alden asked, though fear already crept into his tone.
"That thing… it's strong. Really strong. And we don't stand a chance if it finds us."
Without waiting for a response, Kale grabbed Alden's arm and bolted, pulling him toward cover. They needed to hide—and fast.