The crackling fire cast long shadows on the cave walls, its warm light flickering over the three weary travelers. Seol-Yeong sat cross-legged, his sword resting across his knees. Yoon-Hee leaned against the cave's entrance, watching the snow fall outside. Hyeon was busy roasting a rabbit they'd hunted earlier, his face relaxed despite their recent battle.
But their eyes kept flickering back to the old woman.
She sat across from them, a figure of quiet power. Her face was lined with age, her hair silver and long, but her eyes gleamed with wisdom — and something deeper. Something dangerous. The aura around her shifted like mist, sometimes warm, sometimes cold, sometimes so suffocating it felt like they were standing on the edge of an abyss.
"My name," the old woman finally said, her voice soft but carrying through the cave, "is Elder Myra. And you three… you stand at the crossroads."
"Crossroads?" Yoon-Hee asked, her voice cautious.
"Every warrior must choose their path," Myra said. "And with that path comes a tribe. The power you wield… the way you cultivate… the enemies you make and the allies you keep — all of it depends on this choice."
The fire crackled. Outside, the wind howled.
"There are many paths," Myra continued. "Each with its own strengths and burdens. The Righteous Path — protectors of order and justice, sworn to uphold the light. The Light Path — healers and saviors, drawing strength from purity and hope. The Neutral Path — balanced and pragmatic, neither good nor evil."
Her voice lowered, the fire dimming.
"Then there is the Dark Path — wielders of forbidden arts, those who embrace death and shadow. The Demonic Path — conquerors and destroyers, their power drawn from blood and chaos. And the Evil Path…"
The cave seemed to grow colder.
"They seek nothing but ruin. Their power is destruction. Their existence, a curse."
The three exchanged uneasy glances.
"But these are only the paths," Myra said. "The tribes… they shape your very essence."
She extended a hand, and suddenly, the flames burst higher — and within them, images danced.
"The Ice Tribe — calm, powerful, and unyielding." Yoon-Hee's eyes locked on the vision of towering glaciers and warriors cloaked in frost.
"The Sea Tribe — adaptable and deep, their strength like the tides." Waves crashed in the flames, and the scent of salt filled the air.
"The Forest Tribe — connected to nature's will, swift and fierce." Trees rose from the fire, and the distant sound of beasts echoed through the cave.
"The Barbarian Tribe — unmatched in physical might, their rage a weapon." Hyeon grinned as the vision of warriors shattering mountains flashed before them.
"There are more," Myra whispered. "Tribes of shadow and flame. Tribes of stars and storm. And some… long forgotten."
The flames died down, leaving only embers.
"You three… you carry potential. And you must decide where that potential will lead you." Myra's eyes narrowed. "So tell me — what path will you walk? And which tribe will you claim?"
The silence stretched.
Finally, Seol-Yeong spoke.
"I choose my own path," he said quietly. "I will not be bound by light or dark, righteous or evil. I will walk the path of strength — whatever it takes."
Myra's eyes gleamed with approval. "A dangerous choice. And your tribe?"
He hesitated. Then the words came, unbidden — and right.
"The Azure Flame Tribe."
The fire leapt in response, as if answering his call.
Yoon-Hee stepped forward next. "I… I walk the Neutral Path," she said softly. "But my heart lies with the Ice Tribe."
Frost spread along the cave floor, her aura flaring with cold beauty.
Hyeon was last. He cracked his knuckles, his grin fierce. "Righteous Path," he said without hesitation. "But my tribe… the Barbarian Tribe. I'll crush anyone who stands in my way!"
The cave shook with his words.
Myra rose, her smile both proud and sad.
"Then your journey truly begins," she said. "But beware… for no path is without cost. And no tribe stands without enemies."
Outside, the storm raged on.
But inside the cave, the fire burned brighter than ever.
—