The light of the tree had changed. It had grown softer, yet more penetrating, as though it were speaking directly to their souls. Ayna and Tarik stood before the immense trunk, which pulsed like a living organism. Their presence activated something deeply hidden in its essence.
“We are ready,” Ayna said, feeling her heart fill with determination.
Tarik nodded, placing his hand on the ancient bark. In that instant, the space around them began to shift. The tree revealed its roots, glowing as they intertwined in a bizarre pattern. From the depths emerged a voice, reverberating like thousands of voices at once.
“Those who seek to protect eternity,” the voice spoke, “you have walked the path of trials, but are you ready to accept the truth that will change everything?”
“We are ready,” Tarik repeated.
“Then listen,” the voice said, and the space around them exploded with visions.
They saw worlds intertwining, creating an endless network. Each thread of the network was a story, a life, a choice. But some threads were broken, and others were weakened. Ayna felt the cold touch of fear.
“Is this what we must protect?” she asked.
“Eternity is not just time,” the voice replied. “It is harmony. When one thread breaks, all the others suffer. You are the keepers, those who must find balance and prevent destruction.”
Ayna and Tarik exchanged glances. It was clear to them that this task went beyond their expectations.
“What must we do?” Tarik asked.
“First, you must find the Source,” the voice said. “The place where all worlds intertwine and where harmony is born. But remember: every choice you make affects the threads. You will either restore balance or become the cause of ultimate ruin.”
They stood in silence, contemplating the meaning of these words.
“How will we find the Source?” Ayna stepped forward, touching one of the glowing threads.
“The Source is within you,” the voice replied. “Listen to yourselves, trust each other. The path will reveal itself.”
The light of the tree began to fade, but its last rays gathered into two orbs, which slowly descended into Ayna and Tarik’s hands.
“These are your guides,” the voice explained. “They will help you find the way, but only if your intentions are pure.”
Ayna felt the warmth from the glowing orb in her hands. It was as if a part of the tree itself had transferred its power to her.
“We are ready,” she said, this time without a shred of doubt.
Tarik squeezed his orb and nodded. The path before them shifted once more: it became clearer, as if eternity itself were pointing them in the right direction.
“We will find the Source,” he said.
Together, they stepped onto this new path, full of challenges and responsibility, knowing that their journey was just beginning.