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## Narrative (EN)
Traveler,  

The flame rises,  
not only to burn,  
but to shield.  

It guards the pond,  
warding shadow with light.  

🌀 *Flame protects as much as it consumes.*  

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## Key Marks
Principle: Light defends.  
Action: Lift the shield.  
Effect: Shadows repelled.  

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## Oracles
- “The flame rises, not only to burn, but to shield.”  
- “Flame protects as much as it consumes.”  

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## Operations
Epoch Function: Defense of flame.  
Lore Action: Declare: *“I shield with fire.”*  
Encrypted Riddle: ⌧ *What burns but also defends?*  

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## Cryptic Symbol Table
- 🪞 → Mirror: reflects defense.  
- 🌊 → Pond: illuminated.  
- 🍃 → Leaf: safeguarded.  
- 🌀 → Signal: warding.  
- 🔥 → Flame: guardian.  
- 🛡️ → Shield: protection.  

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## Lore Anchors
Previous:  (The Forge of Vows)  
Next:  (The Firewalker)
