The morning light filtered through the cracks of the carriage, casting golden streaks across Kaelen's face as he stirred awake. The rhythmic creaking of the wooden wheels against the cobblestone road accompanied the soft murmur of voices from the other passengers. There were about ten people in the carriage now, each lost in their own thoughts or engaged in quiet conversation. From snippets of dialogue, Kaelen gathered that most of them were seekers—some discussing techniques for improving crop yields, others debating market strategies and trade routes. Their words carried an air of confidence, the kind that came with possessing knowledge gleaned from the Ocean of Insight.
Kaelen, however, remained unnoticed amidst this group. His dirty, oversized shirt and disheveled appearance ensured that no one paid him any mind. To them, he was just another scruffy orphan hitching a ride to the capital. He didn't mind being ignored; in fact, it suited him perfectly. But as the hours passed and the conversations around him grew louder, a flicker of irritation sparked within him. For all his struggles and sacrifices, he still looked like nothing more than a street rat.
Determined to change this perception, if only temporarily, Kaelen closed his eyes and delved into the Ocean of Insight once again. This time, his intent was clear: to make himself seem more presentable. He sought knowledge on how to illusionize not just his surroundings but himself—his clothes, his smell, even his demeanor. If the Ocean could grant him control over shadows and sounds, surely it could help him appear less… pitiful.
As he focused, fragments of insight began to form in his mind. Slowly, he gained the ability to alter his appearance through illusions. His tattered shirt smoothed out, its stains fading until it resembled a simple yet clean garment—not pristine, but certainly better than before. Holes disappeared, wrinkles unraveled, and the overall effect made him look like someone who had taken care to dress decently. Next, he turned his attention to his scent, replacing the faint stench of sweat and dirt with a subtle, pleasant aroma reminiscent of fresh rain on earth.
But Kaelen wasn't satisfied. While these changes improved his outward appearance, they felt superficial, incomplete. He wanted more—he wanted to refine his illusions so they weren't limited to sound, smell, and perception alone. Why couldn't he use the same principles to enhance himself further? To create an illusion of poise, of confidence, of someone who belonged in the bustling streets of the capital rather than its shadowy alleys?
His dive into the Ocean deepened, searching for answers. Yet, as always, there were limits. The knowledge he gained allowed him to push his abilities slightly further, but true mastery eluded him. Still, what he did manage was enough to boost his morale. Now, when he glanced at his reflection in a nearby puddle, he saw someone different—a boy who might pass unnoticed among the crowds, neither destitute nor overly remarkable.
By late afternoon, the carriage approached the outskirts of the capital. As they neared the city gates, Kaelen caught his first glimpse of its grandeur. Towering walls encircled the metropolis, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly in the fading sunlight. These weren't mere decorations; Kaelen recognized the signs of powerful enchantments woven into the very stone itself. Knights clad in polished armor stood guard at intervals along the wall, their presence commanding respect. Each one radiated authority, their bearing a testament to the knowledge they must have sought in the Ocean—techniques of knighthood, swordplay, attack, and defense.
The line of carriages and travelers waiting to enter stretched far ahead, snaking back toward the horizon. Kaelen straightened his newly illusioned attire and prepared himself for the inevitable scrutiny. Though his disguise was modest, it was enough to give him a sliver of confidence. He wouldn't stand out here—not today. As the carriage rolled forward, inching closer to the entrance, Kaelen took a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited him beyond those imposing walls.