The time when time did not exist…
Everything was quiet and still. The world was like an endless space, free and unbound. Nature breathed in a harmonious rhythm, flowing through an immeasurable eternity. Every sound, whether from the whispering wind or the rustling leaves, became a note in the symphony of life, weaving a melody that echoed throughout the universe.
A vast meadow stretched out like a green carpet, adorned with flowers of all colors. They invited the sunlight to play along, as did the butterflies dancing joyfully here and there, accompanied by the cheerful songs of birds. Everything blended together in pure happiness, without the burden or worry of tomorrow.
Above, the blue sky gently embraced the earth’s contents with full sincerity. It offered a boundless view, symbolizing dreams without limits. There was no room for fear. It promised freedom and beauty until the end of time
To complete this scene, a river flowed, carrying water in a soothing symphony, like a lullaby sung to lull one to peaceful rest. Along with the playful fish swimming merrily, there was an unspoken oath of each awakening and eternity.
All was unified. The universe embraced all things in perfect harmony. Life unfolded without pressure; each day was an opportunity to absorb the grandeur of the world. There was no rush, no fear to limit one’s steps. Humans, animals, and plants blended together in indescribable harmony, interdependent without the need to dominate. During this time, life was not a race or competition, but a togetherness that intertwined in an unbroken thread.
But the earth continued to rotate. Time moved on. The peace that once soothed the heart would not last forever. A change began to be felt, though slowly, like small ripples disturbing the calm surface of water. As time passed, the harmony that had once been so strong began to be threatened by new forces rising from within the human soul. Ambition, once unknown, had begun to grow-desire.
People who once lived in harmony with nature began to experience a shift in perspective. They no longer saw the land and forests as homes to be cherished, but as resources to be exploited. The desire to have more, to control more, began to grow in their hearts.
Competition, which had never existed before, infiltrated human life. They began to race for more-to build bigger, to claim more territory, and to seek greater dominance. Eventually, the once sacred earth was scarred by their insatiable greed.
This growing desire blurred the wisdom that had once been the foundation of human life. Compassion had withered, and cruelty had replaced reason. Conscience had all but disappeared, and nature was on the brink of destruction.
Such were the concerns that often plagued Ignatius’ mind of late. As a wizard who had lived for centuries, he had witnessed the passing of time and the changes in the hearts of men. In the past, people lived in harmony with nature, respecting the cycle of life and death. They viewed the natural world as a part of themselves, not something to be conquered. But now everything had changed.
Ignatius, who had spent countless years helping nature maintain its balance through his ancient magic, could feel the dark forces growing in human hearts. Humans had been transformed into beings hungry for power and domination. Their hands, once a blessing, had become a curse that brought fear and destruction.
This state of affairs could not continue unchecked. Ignatius was called by a voice that grew more and more urgent. The howling wind, the trembling of barren lands, and the sad whispers of dying forests all carried the same message-destruction was imminent.
Ignatius could not stand idly by. He could not allow nature to suffer any longer without doing something. He had to act, to use the ancient powers he possessed, even if it might have unforeseen consequences.
Magic, whether great or small, was never something to be used carelessly. Ignatius understood this only too well. Every incantation he was about to cast was likely to upset the fragile balance between nature and man. Moreover, once his power was unleashed, there was no guarantee that he could control it again.
Still, Ignatius had few options. He had to act, regardless of the risks, to protect nature.
With firm steps, Ignatius made his way to the vast forest teeming with diverse life. There, deep within, was a waterfall that had been the core of his magical energy for centuries.
The time had come. Ignatius prepared himself, chanting ancient spells and bowing his head in awe before the waterfall.
Magic began to emanate from Ignatius’ body. A blue-golden glow spread over the surrounding area, enveloping the waterfall and drawing the hidden source of its mystical energy from deep within.
The once gentle rush of the waterfall transformed into a deeper, more powerful roar, as if responding to the magic Ignatius had unleashed. The blue-golden light surrounding the water grew brighter, merging with the rushing current to create a magical aura that danced across the rocks and leaves.
Beneath the roar of the waterfall, Ignatius felt the ancient energy stir. This power, buried deep in the earth, among the roots of the trees, far below the surface, had been awakened. It pulsed with immeasurable power-something far too powerful, even for a great wizard like himself.
“Rise,” Ignatius whispered, his voice barely audible yet echoing throughout the realm. “Restore the harmony that has been lost. Save nature from destruction.”
Suddenly, the waterfall stopped flowing. The wind stopped blowing. Life itself seemed to stop. Everything seemed frozen, as if time had stopped amidst the echo of magic that reverberated through the land.
Beneath the surface of the water, a vortex of magical energy began to form, drawing in the blue-golden light until it condensed into a glowing ball. This ball of energy, radiant and intense, rose from the water and floated in the air, dancing around Ignatius. The power it held was immense, almost beyond his control.
Ignatius focused his mind. He concentrated fully, knowing that this was the most critical moment. If the ball of energy could not be contained, greater chaos would ensue.
Carefully, Ignatius guided the orb toward the magical circle he had created beforehand-a seal designed to safely channel the energy. The moment the orb touched the circle, an explosion of light erupted, illuminating the entire forest. Long dormant spirits of nature began to awaken, manifesting themselves in every rustle of leaves, every breath of wind, and every drop of water. Nature itself was revived; its power unleashed.
Ignatius exhaled with relief. His magic had worked. The darkness in the hearts of men had been cleansed. But his relief was short-lived, for he felt an unusual stirring in his own heart.
*