Kale wasn't in a hurry. The full moon wouldn't reach its zenith for another six days, and he had plenty of time to glean more insights from the Shallows—and perhaps even dip into the Deep Currents again if he dared. For now, his focus was on survival. He moved carefully through the misty forest, each step deliberate as he scanned his surroundings. This place teemed with life—birds flitted between branches, small animals scurried through underbrush—but it also harbored beasts far larger and deadlier than anything Kale had encountered before.
Spotting a patch of herbs nestled near the base of a tree, Kale knelt down to inspect them. These were simple healing herbs, useful for treating minor wounds or soothing aches, but they had another purpose: masking scent. He crushed a handful of leaves in his palm and patted the fragrant residue onto his sect robes. It wouldn't make him invisible, but it might help him avoid drawing unwanted attention from predators—or rival sect members. Even if he failed to claim the Moon Bloom flower, he told himself, this journey would still be worthwhile. As long as he could train his body and mind, as long as he grew stronger, that was enough.
Hours passed uneventfully, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant call of an animal. Just as Kale began looking for a spot to rest, something caught his eye—a series of tracks along the damp earth. Large claw marks gouged deep into the bark of nearby trees confirmed what his instincts already whispered: a massive beast lurked somewhere close. Gripping the spear slung across his back—the crude wooden weapon given to all beginners by the sect—he tightened his grip and kept his guard up. This forest wasn't just home to harmless creatures; monsters roamed here too, which was why the sect itself sat high atop the mountain, safe from such dangers.
Kale eventually found a quiet clearing and settled down against a moss-covered rock. He had barely closed his eyes when voices drifted toward him—angry, tense voices. Peering cautiously through the foliage, he spotted several sect members gathered around a fallen tree branch, its bark gleaming faintly with an otherworldly sheen. One disciple shouted accusations at another, claiming the find as their own. Tensions escalated quickly, and within moments, weapons were drawn.
"What?" Kale muttered under his breath, his eyes widening in disbelief. "They're actually going to fight over that? What the hell is wrong with them?" His stomach churned uneasily. This was supposed to be a festival—a test of skill and resourcefulness—not a free-for-all where sect members turned on each other. Fortunately, after some harsh words exchanged, the group dispersed, each member stalking off in different directions. Kale exhaled sharply, leaning back against the tree. "Damn… That was almost a disaster."
Despite the tension gnawing at him, Kale pressed onward. By late afternoon, he'd managed to gather wild berries and fruits to sustain himself through the night. But as he continued walking, signs of conflict became harder to ignore. Deep gashes scarred the ground, splattered with dried blood and scorched black in places where fire or energy attacks had struck. Seekers from the Deep Currents must have been here already, battling monsters—or possibly each other. Kale swallowed hard, feeling the weight of danger pressing closer. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.
As dusk settled over the forest, casting everything in shades of gray and shadow, Kale searched for a safe place to camp. He found a small cave entrance tucked into the side of a hill, partially hidden by thick vines and overgrown roots. It wasn't perfect, but it would do. Gathering dry wood and kindling, he used a simple insight from the Shallows to spark a fire. Striking two stones together produced a shower of sparks, igniting the tinder with a soft crackle. The warmth chased away the chill, and for the first time since entering the forest, Kale allowed himself a brief moment of calm.
But even as the flames danced before him, casting flickering light onto the walls of the cave, the tension lingered. Somewhere out there, beasts prowled, sect members schemed, and the secrets of the Ocean waited to be uncovered. Kale stared into the fire, his thoughts drifting to the days ahead. Six days until the full moon. Six days to prepare—for whatever came next.