At the edge of an abyss a hundred thousand feet deep, an oppressive silence reigned. If one looked over the edge, the endless darkness seemed to draw everything in, like an insatiable maw devouring light, sound, and hope.
Nostra was the first to awaken. He found himself at the bottom of this bottomless chasm, surrounded by impenetrable darkness that felt almost tangible. His heart raced as he realized his solitude.
– Bayos? Anfar? Anyone? – his voice echoed hollowly, lost in the infinity, bringing no answer.
The silence was so profound it seemed as if the darkness itself swallowed the sound. It enveloped him like a cold, damp shroud, stifling his breath. The air was thick with the scent of dampness and mold, seeping into his lungs and making it hard to breathe.
Faint rustles, coming from afar, sounded like the whispers of unseen creatures, murmuring forgotten secrets and curses. The feeling that the darkness was alive and watching him sent shivers down his spine.
– Hello? – desperation broke into his voice, notes of panic trembling in his tone.
Slowly, the reality of where he was dawned on Nostra. Something inside him snapped, as if a thin thread of hope had frayed under the weight of understanding. Emptiness filled his chest, replaced by a chilling despair. Fear began to seep into his heart like icy water, creeping through cracks, threatening to freeze him from within.
He was in the Abyss of Inevitability.
Legends said that no one returned alive from here. The only path to salvation was to walk the Road of Inevitable Death, wandering as a disembodied soul for a thousand years.
Weary and weakened, he leaned against the cold stone wall. Loneliness, like an icy mist, enveloped him, seeping into every cell of his body. His thoughts flitted like trapped birds, unable to find an escape. Panic began to grow within him, like a distant cry from the depths of his mind warning him of eternal isolation.
Time slowed, stretching into eternity. Every second felt like an hour, every hour like an age. He was utterly alone in this world, with no one to rely on, no spark to warm his freezing soul.
At first, he felt suffocated, as if the darkness was closing in around him, depriving him of breath. But gradually, loneliness became a part of him, like an old friend who had always been by his side.
Over time, Nostra grew accustomed to the feeling and even began to find a strange peace in it, savoring each moment of silence. Loneliness was not as terrifying as he had imagined. At the bottom of this dark abyss, he found something akin to tranquility – a deep silence and calm, nestled at the very heart of the world. His thoughts became clearer, his fears retreated, leaving space for contemplation.
– Nostra, what is the meaning of your existence? – he whispered, his voice muffled in the silent void. – To fight, to struggle, to seek answers in chaos?
Suddenly, a quiet but distinct voice sounded nearby:
– Oh, human, you are kind and honest. You are lonely, and so you seek comfort, recognition, understanding. Right now, more than anything, you wish to escape this place.
Nostra jolted, his heart skipping a beat. He looked around, but there was only impenetrable darkness.
– Who's there? Who's speaking to me? – he called out, trying to steady the tremor in his voice.
The voice chuckled softly, with a comforting warmth.
– I am you, your own "Self." Look within, and you will find me.
Nostra stilled, realizing the voice was coming from deep within his mind. Closing his eyes, he focused on his senses. In the very depths of his heart, he found a presence – his own Self.
It was a smaller reflection of himself, but with eyes full of wisdom and understanding. It appeared as the embodiment of his true essence, free from fears and doubts.
– You... you're me? – Nostra whispered, astonished and awed.
– Why haven't I noticed you before?
The Self smiled warmly and reassuringly.
– I have always been with you, from the beginning. But to find me, you must look deep into your heart, setting aside fears and prejudices.
– Really? – Nostra responded, not overly interested, as his mind was still focused on escaping the Abyss.
The Self noticed his indifference and laughed.
– Oh, Nostra, you should rejoice. Finding and understanding yourself is the most important thing in life. You are the most reliable thing you have in this world.
– Allow me to help you escape this place.
Nostra felt warmth spread through his body, filling the void within. His fears began to recede, replaced by curiosity and hope.
– But how can we get out of here? – he asked, a spark of hope in his voice. – I see no path.
The Self moved closer, its eyes shining with a soft light.
– There is only one road in this Abyss, paved by lost souls doomed to wander forever. But why should you follow their path? The entrance and exit are just traces left by the Inevitability of Death as it passed through.
Nostra pondered, processing the words.
– Then there's another way? – he whispered.
– As long as you have the desire to move forward, there will always be a path, – replied the Self. – You can forge your own road if you believe in yourself and your strength.
– But how do I begin? – doubt still lingered in his voice. – I don't know where to go.
– The first step is always the hardest, – the Self replied gently.
– Start with the thought of leaving. Let your consciousness light the way.
Nostra closed his eyes, focusing on his desire to leave the Abyss. Within him, a spark ignited, gradually growing, filling his mind with light.
Suddenly, the darkness around him began to dissipate. His mind emitted a bright beam, illuminating the space around him. The shadows receded, and he realized that the darkness had been merely a reflection of his own fears and doubts.
The Self smiled:
– Do you see? The light within you can dispel any darkness.
At that moment, Nostra noticed that the Self had wings – transparent, seemingly woven from light and air, shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow.
– Wings? – he asked in surprise.
– They are wings of independence and freedom, – the Self explained. – They will allow you to walk your own path. But be cautious, this road is difficult. There are no others here, and you must rely only on yourself.
Nostra felt a slight tingling around his heels. Looking down, he saw that he too had wings – small and delicate, yet radiating a soft glow.
– How is this possible? – he whispered, astonished and amazed.
– These wings are a symbol of your faith in yourself, – the Self replied. – They will help you rise above fears and doubts.
Nostra felt a surge of strength and confidence. He took a careful step forward, and the wings at his heels fluttered slightly, giving him lightness. The ground beneath his feet no longer felt viscous and insurmountable.
Yet Nostra still felt uncertain:
– How do I move forward?
– Walk ahead, and let each step reveal a new path to you. This journey will be full of unexpected obstacles and discoveries, but it's these challenges that will make it uniquely yours, – the Self said with excitement.
Nostra took the first step forward.
On that first step, he felt resistance: his feet sank into a cold, sticky substance, as if the darkness itself tried to hold him back.
– Don't stop, – the Self's voice resonated. – Obstacles exist only in your mind. Trust your wings.
Nostra took a deep breath, focusing on the inner light. He took another step, then another. The mire and darkness tried to hold him, but with each move, he felt himself growing stronger.
The wings at his heels glowed brighter, and with each step, the darkness receded. He stopped paying attention to the resistance, focusing solely on his goal – to escape the Abyss and find himself.
Ahead, a faint light shimmered – barely visible, yet beckoning. It was not just an exit but a symbol of hope and freedom.
– I can do this, – Nostra said with newfound confidence.
– Of course, you can, – the Self affirmed. – You've always been capable, you just didn't believe in yourself.
Nostra smiled, feeling warmth spread throughout his body. He continued forward, and with each step, the darkness grew fainter until it vanished completely.
And Nostra walked on, leaving the Abyss of Inevitability behind, forging his own path with each step – a path to freedom and self-understanding.