Summary

When Uni finds Isan, he initially refuses their help, insisting he can manage on his own. Vaedan explains that the boy is on his rishka'ai, a sacred rite of passage in which Ayin youth must survive in isolation to discover their purpose. But Uni challenges this tradition, arguing that expecting Isan to complete his journey in a decaying, unnatural forest is unfair and dangerous. Reluctantly, Vaedan concedes, allowing Uni to offer aid.

Uni proposes a trade: food in exchange for information. Isan agrees, splitting open a dragonfruit to reveal its blackened, inedible flesh. Driven to investigate the source of this corruption, Uni persuades Isan to show them where he found the fruit. Isan not only guides them but also maps out other areas where he’s seen signs of decay. With this information, Uni and Vaedan set off to trace the origin of...