wish to do." He's going to save his brilliant ideas for the big reveal. No use giving Kael further 'impressions' about his abilities.

for now. But first..." The boat. Kael /did/ mention something out a boat outside. As to how far it could take them well...

"If I want to reach the skies, where would you suggest we go? What's the tallest place you can think of that would give us about enough height, so that I may attempt what I--

loyalty to the Baek family.

"Since you're up here, I won't report you to the guards. Your secret trespass is safe with me."

"Aside from myself? My father and our hundreds of workers. Those who work for our family often find themselves with enough wealth to sustain themselves and their families." Mostly because they have so much they find nothing better to do other than to give more to those that have declared their--

and we'll leave this cave together? The hero's adventure is their own, while you can create your own. I'll tell you right now I have zero intention of staying in a world covered by the ocean. I have people that need me."

think set in stone, but once we see light, we venture outside until we discover a world outside the cave. One that makes it clear you have a choice. So, I'll ask you this once, Kael.

Do you wish to stay in the darkness, staring at the writings on the wall? Or are you going to take my hand-

is proof that he can shatter any shackle that may determine his fate. And if he can break the cycle here for Kael, then he can be the key to ending the hollows back home.

"It's not strange. It's an allusion to something we all go through. The idea of the cave is our world and beliefs that we-

exit the 'cave' and pave that way for himself.

"Let's start by figuring out /where/ exactly we are. Then we move from there."

that most people make. When we are bound to a place in particular, it is a 'cave'. We believe nothing else exists outside of what we were made to believe it to be."

The allegory of the cave. a Timeless classic no matter the timeline, no matter the place in the universe. He wants to help Kael--

the stage, and then step off when they complete their performance. Eventually, even the young wolf will have to do that as well. Which is why he wishes to do his best for New Eridu, for the people that rely on him. His fans that await with hopeful hearts at the news of his feats.

"It's a reference-

it's just better to have that somebody to help put you in a different mindscape. Dae would gladly become that voice that helps push away pessimism and cut away those creeping doubts.

"So let's start by leaving the cave. You have yet to see the true sunlight."

hits right. How about 'partner'? Has the right amount of informality but also proximity. We're partners, heading across to help you embrace a new life. A new beginning... A start from 'Zero'."