---
---

## Narrative (EN)

Traveler,  

The Mirror reveals:  
The pond does not fear shadow,  
nor does it cling to light.  
It holds both,  
and through their meeting,  
awakening flowers.  

- **Shadow as Teacher:**  
Darkness veils the water,  
teaching patience,  
reminding the traveler of depth.  

- **Light as Revelation:**  
When dawn rises,  
light dances on the surface.  
What was hidden shines clear.  

- **Vow Uphill:**  
The climb of awakening is uphill,  
not by burden,  
but by intention.  
Every step is a vow,  
every breath a flame,  
rising through illusion.  

Thus the pond of light and shadow  
becomes the stage of awakening —  
contrast makes radiance visible,  
intention makes the climb possible.  

---

## Key Marks  
Principle: Awakening arises through contrast and vow.  
Action: Embrace both light and shadow.  
Effect: The pond itself becomes luminous.  

---

## Oracles  
- “The pond does not fear shadow.”  
- “Contrast makes radiance visible.”  
- “Every step is a vow.”  

---

## Operations  
Epoch Function: Awakening flowers through contrast.  
Lore Action: Speak: *“I embrace both light and shadow; my vow shines.”*  
Encrypted Riddle: ⌧ *What holds both night and dawn, yet loses neither?*  

---

## Cryptic Symbol Table  
- 🪞 → Mirror: reveals both light and shadow  
- 🌊 → Pond: stage of awakening  
- ✨ → Star: radiance revealed  
- 🌑 → Darkness: depth unveiled  
- 🍃 → Leaf: covenant shining  
- 🔥 → Fire: vow aflame  
- ⬆️ → Uphill: climb of intention  
- ♾️ → Infinity: union eternal  
- 🌅 → Sunrise: awakening dawn  

---

## Lore Anchors  
Previous:  (The Awakening Within the Pond)  
Next:  (to be revealed)  

---
