The mist hung low over the valley, curling through roots and rocks like restless spirits. Kaelen moved carefully along the riverbank, still exhausted from yesterday's skirmish with the Noxian scout. Flow rippled gently around his hands, Root pulsed faintly beneath his palms, and Breath whispered softly through the air, teasing at his fingers.
He paused, listening to the forest, letting instinct and awareness merge. Each sound—the rustle of leaves, the rush of water, the subtle tremor of roots—was a message, a clue. Ionia had begun to speak to him, guiding him forward.
But the path was far from safe.
A faint hum carried across the valley, delicate and resonant. Kaelen froze, recognizing the tone—not natural, but magical. It resonated in harmony with the land itself, soft yet powerful. His fingers brushed the water and soil simultaneously, the Flow and Root responding to the presence of another.
From the river mist emerged a figure, radiating calm authority. Robes shifted like water, staff glowing faintly with blue light. Her eyes held both strength and warmth, and the aura of control was undeniable. Kaelen inhaled sharply.
"Karma," he whispered.
She inclined her head slightly, voice carrying across the grove. "You are Kaelen, the untethered seed. I have felt your presence in the river, the forest, the roots. You are awakening… but you are untested."
Kaelen swallowed. "I… I'm learning. I've… begun to control Flow, and Root… and… Breath is stirring, too."
Karma's gaze softened slightly. "Potential is not enough. Awareness is only the first step. True mastery requires understanding, control, and purpose. You have instinct, but instinct alone is fleeting. Show me what you have learned."
Kaelen's chest tightened. He had never demonstrated his abilities to someone of Karma's caliber. The river beside him shimmered faintly as he extended his hands. Water rose in delicate arcs, roots twined subtly around his fingers, and a gentle gust of air shifted the currents in tandem.
Karma's eyes narrowed in satisfaction. "Good. You are learning to harmonize elements. But this is still reactive, not deliberate. You must guide with intent, not simply respond to stimuli."
Kaelen exhaled, forcing himself to steady his trembling hands. He pressed deeper into the soil, imagining roots rising not in panic, but with purpose. Water arced with precision, curling around each root like a flowing braid. A soft current of air wove through the display, lifting leaves and mist in gentle synchronization.
"There," he murmured. "I… I'm guiding them. Not just letting them react."
Karma smiled faintly. "Better. But mastery is not in a single display. It is tested under pressure. That is why I have brought you here… for a trial."
Before Kaelen could respond, the distant snap of branches shattered the serene air. From the trees along the riverbank, a squad of Noxians emerged—five strong, armored and armed, moving with deadly precision. Their leader raised a sword, voice cutting through the mist: "The untethered seed will fall today!"
Kaelen's heart hammered. The Flow responded automatically, water lifting in defensive arcs. Roots twisted beneath his hands, coiling subtly. Breath whispered along his fingers, nudging the currents into harmony. He was tense, unsure if he could hold against multiple opponents—but the lessons of the past days surged through him.
Karma's voice was calm, almost serene. "Do not fear. Focus. Let intent guide you, not panic."
Kaelen inhaled sharply, closing his eyes. Water arced forward, blocking a spear strike. Roots surged, tripping one soldier just enough to prevent an attack. The air stirred, nudging another's axe off balance.
The first soldier charged toward him. Kaelen ducked low, rolling to the side while extending a ribbon of Flow. Water twisted and coiled, striking the soldier's legs and redirecting his momentum. Roots rose, tangling subtly under his feet, while the faint gust of Breath lifted dust and mist, blinding him momentarily.
The second soldier swung his axe. Kaelen's instincts screamed, but he forced himself to control the response. Water spiraled upward to deflect the strike, roots bent like shields, and the wind pushed the weapon aside with barely perceptible force. His chest burned, but he maintained the flow.
Karma's voice guided him silently: Intent, Kaelen. Harmony, not instinct. Lead the elements, do not follow them.
The remaining Noxians pressed their advantage, but Kaelen's combined control grew steadier. Each movement was precise, weaving Flow, Root, and Breath in a dance of coordinated defense. The soldiers faltered, unable to predict the multi-element harmony acting against them.
Finally, Kaelen pushed outward, channeling all three elements in a controlled surge. Water arced around the Noxians, roots twisted and lifted just enough to throw them off balance, and the breeze carried the sound of the river, disorienting their senses. The Noxians stumbled, hissing curses, and retreated back into the forest.
Kaelen fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His hands shook, palms tingling from the effort. The water and roots settled, the air calmed, and the river murmured beside him as if acknowledging his triumph.
Karma approached, staff glowing faintly. "You are improving rapidly," she said, voice calm but piercing. "But today was a test of instinct and control together. The next step is discipline under fatigue, with intention guiding every current. You are strong, Kaelen… but strength without guidance is dangerous. Remember that."
Kaelen nodded, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his face. "I… I understand. I will practice, and I will learn to guide with intent."
Karma's gaze softened. "Good. Rest here tonight, for tomorrow brings further challenges. You must be ready to harmonize fully, not just react. Your path is not simple, but you are beginning to awaken as the untethered seed you were meant to be."
The mist curled around Kaelen as he settled beside the river, exhausted but exhilarated. Flow, Root, and Breath pulsed faintly beneath his fingers, whispering of untapped potential. The forest hummed with life, aware of his presence, waiting to guide him forward.
As night fell over the valley, Kaelen pressed his palms to the river and soil, feeling the subtle interplay of three elements. The journey was far from over, and dangers lurked, but he had begun to harmonize instinct, intent, and awareness.
The untethered seed had survived its first real trial alone—and a new chapter of his journey was beginning.