Emiren kept walking forward, refusing to stop. The forest around him grew denser, and the shadows of the trees stretched longer. The wind, once gentle, now became stronger, as if pulling him closer to secrets deeper than he could ever imagine. Each step felt like a burden—not because the ground was heavy, but because every movement carried the weight of uncertainty, as if he wandered not just through space, but through time itself.
Ahead, figures began to appear again—strangers walking their own paths. They didn’t look at him, but he could sense that each carried their own story, their own choices, mistakes, and dreams. All of them traversed this forest, moving toward an unknown destination. Yet each seemed to have their purpose, their inner harmony. Their presence was an undeniable reminder that even in this boundless garden, every soul had its destiny.
Emerging from the Shadows
After hours of walking, Emiren noticed something unusual. Far ahead, a faint beam of light pierced through the darkness. At first, it was merely a shadowy reflection, but with every step, it grew brighter. This light was different—not like the glow emanating from the trees. It was warm, like the light of a setting sun, yet cold, like the pale rays of the moon. The light beckoned, inviting him while demanding his resolve.
Emiren quickened his pace. His heart pounded, and a sense of approaching something important filled him. He drew closer to the light, and though his mind warned him to be cautious, his heart compelled him to move forward.
The City of Choice
Finally, after several more twists and turns, Emiren stood before enormous stone gates. Beyond them lay a city at the boundary between the forest and darkness. It wasn’t a place bound by time, yet it seemed to hold everything. Ancient buildings with moss-covered roofs, narrow streets twisting unpredictably, and a vibrant energy that pulsed in the air—all of it signaled that this wasn’t merely a location but a space where time itself was shaped.
In the city’s main square stood colossal statues carved from white marble, etched with ancient symbols—runes that represented everything that had happened and everything that could ever occur. The energy they exuded felt alive, almost palpable.
A man approached Emiren. His face was shadowed by a hood, but his posture commanded attention—this was no ordinary mortal.
“Are you seeking an exit?” the man asked.
Emiren glanced at him in confusion, unable to find words.
“The City of Choice is a place where everyone is given the opportunity to alter their destiny. But remember: every choice has its price. Here, you can change not only your future but also your past. Do you wish to rewrite your story?”
Emiren hesitated. Was that the right question? He wasn’t sure if he wanted to change anything from his past. Yet here, in this moment, perhaps he had to decide. Perhaps this was where his fate met his choice.
The Shifting of Time
“I… I don’t know if I’m ready to change the past,” Emiren said, his voice steady, though he felt fear inside.
The man nodded, his face becoming clearer. He wasn’t a stranger to this place, and his words didn’t sound like a question but a warning.
“You cannot go back,” the man said. “Like any choice, once made, it cannot be undone. If you change one moment in your past, you change everything that follows. Are you prepared to live with the consequences of what you decide?”
Emiren felt a chill settle over him. He understood the immense responsibility placed upon him and that with every step he took in this City of Choice, the time he once knew would shift into another reality. But could he accept all the consequences that awaited him?
Before he could answer, the man slowly vanished, dissolving into the darkness of the city, leaving Emiren alone before the massive gates.