The silver sky above the Eternal Garden remained somber, though faint patches of light began to break through. The branch that Emiren had chosen in the heart of the Tower now glowed with a soft golden light, spreading warmth through the air. But the tranquility was deceptive, as his choice had triggered processes he could not yet comprehend.
Emiren and Aliana walked a narrow path winding through the dense thickets of ancient trees, where the light of the branches barely reached. The leaves here were dark, and the ground was damp, as if soaked by an ancient rain.
“Do you feel that?” Aliana asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes,” Emiren replied, stopping and listening. It seemed as though the earth itself was breathing, and the roots beneath his feet stirred. “What is it?”
“The roots,” she said with unease in her voice. “They’re awakening.”
The Awakening of the Roots
Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet trembled. Cracks spread across the earth, and something dark erupted from within—thick, thorn-covered roots writhing as if alive.
“Watch out!” Aliana shouted, grabbing Emiren’s arm and pulling him back.
The roots rose higher, intertwining into strange, shifting shapes. They coiled and twisted, creating massive barriers that blocked their path. One root, resembling a hand, reached toward Emiren.
“They are protecting themselves,” Aliana explained as she retreated with him. “Your choice has touched the deepest layers of the Garden, and now the roots are trying to determine whether you’re an ally or a threat.”
Emiren felt the energy from the branch in his hands reacting to the approaching roots. He raised his hand, directing the golden light toward them. The beam struck the roots, forcing them to retreat momentarily, but they soon began to advance again.
“The branch’s power isn’t enough,” Aliana said. “You need to find another way!”
Seeking Balance
Emiren stopped, staring at the roots that engulfed everything around him. An image formed in his mind: trees weaving their branches together to create a harmonious connection, and roots intertwining beneath the earth to support life.
“Maybe they’re not enemies,” he said, glancing at Aliana. “Maybe they’re just trying to understand what I want to do.”
“If that’s the case, try speaking to them,” she urged.
Emiren knelt down and placed his palms on the earth. He felt the warmth of the branch flowing through his veins and directed it downward. Quiet sounds, like whispers, rose from beneath the ground, gradually forming into words.
“Are you a creator?” the roots asked, their voices low and deep, like the murmur of thousands of beings.
“Yes,” Emiren replied. “But I didn’t come to destroy you. I came to find balance.”
“Balance requires sacrifice,” the roots responded. “What are you willing to give?”
A Sacrifice for the Garden
Emiren knew that in this place, simple words or promises would not suffice. He sensed the roots would only accept an offering that proved his sincerity.
“I’ll give part of my strength,” he said, lifting his hand where the branch glowed. “Take what you need to strengthen yourselves and the Garden.”
The roots paused for a moment, then cautiously extended toward his palm. As they touched the light of the branch, Emiren felt energy being drawn from his body. It was painful, yet he also sensed the roots retreating, and the ground around him calming.
Revelation of the Truth
When the roots returned beneath the earth, a new path appeared before Emiren. It was no longer narrow and dark but wide and illuminated by soft light.
“You made the right choice,” Aliana said, helping him to his feet.
“What were they?” Emiren asked, feeling both exhaustion and relief.
“The roots are the beginning and end of the Garden,” she explained. “They are connected to every branch, every leaf. They test those who touch the balance, and only those willing to sacrifice for the Garden may pass.”
Emiren looked ahead. His path now led to a deep lake that shimmered in the distance.
“What’s there?” he asked.
“The Lake of Reflections,” Aliana replied. “The next trial. There, you will see the true nature of your choices.”
Emiren nodded and took a step forward, feeling his body weary but his spirit growing stronger. New discoveries awaited him, and he knew that this journey was transforming not only him but also the very essence of the Eternal Garden.