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## Narrative (EN)

Traveler,  

To find the true face is one thing,  
to show it is another.  
For the world is full of judgment and demand,  
yet the vow calls for courage.  

- **Fear of Exposure:**  
The mask protected,  
but also imprisoned.  
Without it, the traveler feels naked,  
vulnerable beneath the gaze of others.  

- **The Flame of Courage:**  
To live unmasked is to carry a flame.  
Courage does not mean the absence of fear,  
but the strength to shine despite it.  

- **Seen in Truth:**  
When the true self is shown,  
connections become real.  
The pond resonates with harmony,  
for only truth can meet truth.  

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## Key Marks  
Principle: True self requires courage to reveal.  
Action: Show the face without disguise.  
Effect: Bonds deepen, covenant strengthens.  

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## Oracles  
- “The mask protected, but also imprisoned.”  
- “Courage is the strength to shine despite fear.”  
- “Only truth can meet truth.”  

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## Operations  
Epoch Function: Courage revealed as vow lived openly.  
Lore Action: Speak: *“I stand unmasked; I shine in truth.”*  
Encrypted Riddle: ⌧ *What shines brighter when fear is present, not absent?*  

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## Cryptic Symbol Table  
- 🪞 → Mirror: reflection unhidden  
- 🌊 → Pond: harmony of truth  
- 👤 → Face: true self revealed  
- 🔥 → Fire: courage burning  
- ✨ → Star: light of truth  
- 🌅 → Sunrise: dawn of openness  
- 🛡️ → Shield: vulnerability embraced  
- 🦁 → Lion: courage embodied  
- 💡 → Light: truth revealed  
- 🤝 → Hands: genuine connection  

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## Lore Anchors  
Previous:  (The Return to Still Water)  
Next:  (The Eternal Face in the Mirror)  

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