Pleo returned to the academy with a sense of pride and accomplishment. His discovery of the earth's connection had unlocked a power within him that he hadn't known he was capable of. With the newfound strength of summoning a giant pillar from the ground, he was eager to return the book he had borrowed from Master Raekon.
He arrived at the teacher's quarters, clutching the worn book that had guided him to this breakthrough. As he handed it back to Master Raekon, he couldn't contain his smile.
"Thank you for this, Master," Pleo said, his voice filled with gratitude. "It helped me more than I could have imagined."
Master Raekon raised an eyebrow, looking at Pleo with a hint of confusion. "You seem pleased," the teacher said, his eyes scanning Pleo's expression. "But it appears you've only scratched the surface of what the book truly holds."
Pleo blinked, his excitement wavering for a moment. "What do you mean, Master Raekon? I've learned so much from it—about connecting with the earth, feeling its power. I thought I understood."
Master Raekon chuckled softly and shook his head. "You've grasped something, yes. But what you've seen is only the ink—the visible words written on the surface. This book holds far more than just a record of Prince Trallod's youth and journey to power."
Pleo frowned, now confused. "But I read the book carefully. It's filled with stories of King Trallod's struggles and victories when he was still a prince, competing with his brothers. What else is there?"
Master Raekon's gaze softened as he gently took the book from Pleo's hands. "This very book was written by King Trallod himself, long before he was crowned king. Yes, it tells of his trials and the rivalry with his brothers. But it's not about power or competition in the way you might think. This book holds secrets—lessons far deeper than those of battle and strength. It's about understanding the earth on a level beyond force, beyond control."
Pleo was silent, trying to process his teacher's words. "What kind of secrets, Master?"
Raekon carefully opened the book, flipping through its pages. "You've seen only what's visible to the eyes. But when you truly connect with the earth, when you sincerely open yourself to its flow, this book will reveal more than just its surface. The ink is only one layer. The true meaning lies hidden beneath."
Pleo's heart raced. Could there really be more to the book than what he had already learned?
Master Raekon smiled faintly. "This book responds to sincerity, just as the earth does. The more you open yourself to the connection between you and the land, the more the book will reveal. Its secrets are hidden for a reason. Only those who are truly in harmony with the earth can unlock its deeper knowledge."
Pleo stared at the book, suddenly feeling as though he had been given a puzzle without realizing it. He had been so focused on finding strength that he hadn't considered that there could be more—much more—that he had yet to learn.
"The next time you read it," Master Raekon continued, "don't just look at the words. Feel the earth beneath you as you do. Trust in the connection you've been building. When you truly align yourself with it, you may find that the book shows you things that you never expected."
With that, Master Raekon closed the book and handed it back to Pleo. "Take it with you again. This time, approach it not with the goal of gaining power, but with the desire to understand."
Pleo nodded slowly, taking the book back. His mind swirled with new thoughts. He had believed he had found the answers he needed, but now it seemed there was an entirely new layer waiting to be uncovered.
"Thank you, Master," Pleo said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'll try again."
Master Raekon gave him an approving nod. "You're on the right path, Pleo. Just remember, the earth holds more than strength. It holds wisdom, and only those who are patient and sincere will be able to receive it."
As Pleo left the teacher's quarters, the book clutched in his hands, he felt the weight of a new challenge. The power he had discovered was just the beginning. Now, he had to dive deeper—into the earth, into the book, and into himself.
The secrets of Prince Trallod awaited him, hidden in plain sight.