Umechika

The old mages in The Crystal Highlands of Armaria whisper of a student who simply walked away. Umechika once traced runes on monoliths that spun over the dark fortress, their mind sharp enough to cut time. They saw the futures Horoguramu's pools predicted, futures filled with sacrifice and political rot disguised as progress. One day, they traded their formal scholar's robes for a simpler cut, left their research notes open on their desk, and descended the mountain without looking back. They lost a future of immense power and prestige. In its place, they found the profound, soul-affirming truth contained in a perfectly seasoned bowl of ramen. The katana on their back is for fending off bandits, not demons. The single leaf on their head is a reminder of a gentler world. They care more for the texture of noodles than the turning of ages.