Micky bursts from the mountain slope onto the lower road, snow spraying behind him. High town city's towers glitter ahead, threaded with distant traffic and morning haze.
His sprint carries him past a weathered road sign before he slows. Behind him, a separate trail descends from the cliffs, marked by fresh staff impressions in the snow.
Jariya
You ran from the lesson, but you did not escape it.
The old master steps onto the road ahead, robes dusted white, staff planted across the direct route. He has reached the city road without touching the training stones.
Jariya
Your home lies that way. Carry your momentum into the return, and prove your balance has not been left on the mountain.
He shifts aside just enough to reveal the road's narrow shoulder, where slush, painted lane markers, and passing wind create an uneven path toward High town city.
Jariya
Cross without stopping, without spilling your speed into the road, and without disturbing what does not belong to you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach High town city
✓ Quest Accepted
Return home to the adopted family
“I run down the hill and slide off a ledge landing on a floating cloud call akren taking me to high town city”
FAILURE (Good Agility, rolled +1)
“I run down the hill and slide off a ledge landing on a floating cloud call akren taking me to high town city”
SUCCESS (Superb Athletics, rolled +2)
Micky launches down the snowy hill, boots carving a direct line through slush and powder. The old master watches from the road as the city brightens below.
At the ledge, Micky drops into a controlled slide. Snow streams around his shoulders as he passes the edge and lands firmly on a pale, floating cloud.
The cloud bobs beneath his weight, then steadies. Its soft surface gathers speed, carrying him above the road while the mountain falls away behind him.
Jariya
Akren carries those who commit their balance to the next step.
Akren glides over the outskirts, silent except for the rush of cold air. High town city's towers rise ahead, reflecting morning light through thin drifting snow.
The cloud descends smoothly beyond the city road and brings Micky into High town city, settling beneath him before dissolving into ordinary mist.
Quest Complete
Reach High town city
Skill Upgrade: Athletics Superb→Legendary