Kael and Elira sat across from each other in the carriage, the rhythmic hum of its enchanted wheels filling the silence between them. After the events in the forest, the tension had eased somewhat, leaving room for conversation. Kael broke the quiet first, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"So," he began, leaning forward slightly, "you've mentioned the collective consciousness before. What exactly is it? And how does seeking work?"
Elira raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question but intrigued nonetheless. "The collective consciousness is like a vast ocean of knowledge," she explained, her tone thoughtful. "When a Seeker pulls threads from it, they gain insights into specific abilities or spells. The more skilled the Seeker, the deeper they can delve."
Kael nodded slowly, processing her words. "And what about supreme mages? Who are they?"
Elira hesitated, as if weighing how much to share. Finally, she spoke. "The first supreme mage was the first king of the Kingdom of Knowledge and Magic. He wielded the Language of Command—a power so immense that it allowed him to control not just people but the very fabric of reality itself."
Kael's eyes widened. "Reality itself? How is that even possible?"
"It started when he was five years old," Elira continued, her voice tinged with awe. "He gained the initial insight into commanding language, but over time, he refined it into something far greater—what we now call the First Tongue. With it, he could command the land, air, and even time itself to bend to his will. His mastery over this knowledge remains unmatched to this day."
Kael leaned back, stunned. "What happened to others who tried to seek the same knowledge?"
Elira's expression darkened slightly. "Most failed. Some collapsed from exhaustion after speaking even a single word. Others passed out entirely. The First Tongue isn't something just anyone can wield—it requires strength, focus, and an understanding beyond most Seekers' reach."
Kael absorbed the information, his mind racing. He had never imagined that the first king, the very first supreme mage, could be so overwhelmingly powerful. The thought ignited a spark within him—a desire to push his own limits further. Maybe one day, he could stand among such legends, even if his path was different.
"What about you?" he asked suddenly, breaking the brief silence. "Have you sought anything new recently?"
Elira smirked faintly, though there was a hint of mystery in her gaze. "I've learned a few things," she admitted. "But I'm not ready to reveal them yet. Let's just say I have a trump card or two for when trouble finds us."
Kael chuckled softly, impressed by her secrecy. "Fair enough. I suppose we all have our tricks."
For the rest of the journey, they continued discussing various aspects of magic and seeking, exchanging questions and theories. Elira seemed pleased to see Kael's genuine interest, while Kael found himself inspired by her knowledge and confidence. Though their paths were vastly different, they shared a mutual respect for the mysteries of the world—and a determination to uncover them.
As evening approached, the carriage rolled into a small town nestled at the edge of the forest. The streets were quiet, lit only by flickering lanterns and the occasional glow of a shopkeeper's window. They decided to stop for the night, taking refuge in a modest inn where they could rest before resuming their journey.
While the others settled in, Kael stepped outside briefly, staring up at the star-filled sky. The weight of what he had learned pressed on him, but it also fueled his resolve. Someday, he told himself, he would meet these supreme mages—or perhaps surpass them. For now, though, he needed to focus on mastering his own abilities and surviving whatever challenges lay ahead.
Inside, Elira sat by the fire, reviewing the insights she had gained during her recent seeking sessions. She wasn't ready to test her newfound powers yet, but she knew they would serve her well when the time came. As she glanced toward the door where Kael had disappeared, a faint smile crossed her lips. Despite their differences, she couldn't deny that traveling with him had made the journey far more interesting.