During the early 1900s, the world was facing an energy crisis and pollution problem. With the cost of electricity soaring, people began relying on machines powered by batteries and gas. However, a new technology was invented that could create an energy source for machines and extend their lifespan. This discovery led to the development of devices that made life more comfortable.

The technology was based on crystals, which are solids with a high internal symmetry that gives them characteristic shape and symmetry. Some crystals are piezoelectric, meaning they can convert mechanical stress or expansion into electrical charge. The most famous example is the quartz crystal used in traditional timepieces such as the Crystal Oscillator, which can be used as an accurate timekeeper.
The discovery of such property was a great leap in the development of everyday devices, such as clocks, radios, wristwatches, etc.

But what is exactly a Time crystal?
Is it related to any phenomenon that occurs in time? Can we change the properties of time? Or take advantage of time as energy?
Well, we know that crystals have a specific characteristic, and we also know that time plays an important role in many of the phenomena that occur in crystals.
Researchers conducted two studies, both leading to the discovery of a time crystal.

They were working in the laboratory late one night, experimenting with various crystals, when they noticed that as they changed the energy state of the crystal, the flow of time around it began to slow down. Intrigued, they conducted further experiments and eventually discovered that by applying the right frequency of energy, they could lock the time crystal into a fixed point in space, effectively slowing down time to a standstill!

The researchers used a very precise clock to confirm their observations, and they found that time could appear or stop moving as a result of the interaction with the crystals. But how was this possible without breaking breaking the laws of physics?
This observation raised the question of whether time, the universal flow, could be stopped or changed. The implications were enormous, including the possibility of time travel.
But how does time work? Is there a specific time for all things? And is this true for all time or just for one location? Can time crystals change the past?
The answers to these questions are still unknown, but one thing is for sure: the discovery of time crystals represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of time and space.
Only time will tell what other secrets these remarkable crystals may reveal.

The discovery of time crystals had a tremendous impact on the world, as it helped solve the energy crisis and pollution problems, and provided the possibility of "time travel".
Despite its revolutionary potential, some people remained skeptical about the technology, which was carefully regulated and only accessible to certain individuals.

One of the researchers, a physicist named Dr. Gearsmith, published a paper explaining his findings on the time crystal's abilities.
He theorized that each individual's body contained atoms of different energy levels, emitting unique information.
The crystals absorb energy in a chronological order and transmit information about their state to the surrounding environment.
Dr. Gearsmith called this property the time-memory effect, and proposed that time crystals could act as portals or memory cards, storing and sending information through space.

This property was proven to be the key to creating an accurate time machine that did not distort or modify the timeline. Instead, the machine worked by making changes in the present within a limited radius around a specified object or place. It was not possible to change the fate of any living being, such as going back in time to meet a younger self, but it was possible to change surroundings and create new possibilities.

Although the possibility of gaining insight into the future was explored, no definitive results were obtained. The exact mechanisms of how information is stored and transmitted through time crystals remained unknown, leaving many questions unanswered. Nonetheless, the discovery of time crystals continued to fascinate and challenge scientists, and its potential to revolutionize the world remained a subject of much interest and speculation.

As a result, a new set of rules were introduced to regulate the use of time crystals, which caused the creation of new jobs and industries. However, there were those who crossed the line and used the crystals for illegal purposes. The world's views on time crystals were strongly split between those with money and the common people. The future of the technology is still uncertain, with much research and testing still ongoing.

The introduction of time crystals caused a great deal of excitement, controversy, and change in society. While the technology has the potential to solve many problems, it also raises questions about control, regulation, and the ethics of using such powerful tools.

In the early 1950s, the regulation changes surrounding time crystals had led to widespread acceptance and usage of the technology. Countless new inventions and discoveries had emerged, but one researcher saw a different side of the story. He considered the consequences of time crystals use on the future and developed a controversial theory that would change the course of the technology's application.

Veik, an independent researcher, was intrigued by the potential of time crystals to not only change the past but also affect the future. He studied the effects of time crystals and delved deep into the concept of relativity and time. He came up with a groundbreaking idea that would change how time crystals were used forever.

Veik believed that if time crystals could be used to slow down time to a fixed point in space, then the past and future would become a fixed point, and all movement in the past and future would be linked together. This led him to the concept of retrocausality, where the future could affect the past.

Once the time loop is established, a signal can be sent back in time from the present to the past. This signal contains information about the events that will occur in the future, allowing the observer in the past to gain insight into what will happen.

By sending information back through time, the observer is effectively creating an effect that precedes its cause.
However, the information sent back can change the course of events in the past, creating a new timeline where the future is different from the original timeline. The observer's actions in the present can influence the past, which in turn can influence the future.

This means that the observer in the present can gain insight into multiple possible futures by sending different signals back in time and observing the resulting changes. By using this method, the observer can effectively "explore" the possible futures and choose the best course of action based on the information obtained.

Veik had been searching for a partner who shared his passion for time crystals and retrocausality, someone who could assist him in his research and experiments.
One day, while attending a physics conference, Veik met a young scientist named Shamu.
Shamu was a brilliant physicist who had just completed her doctoral thesis on the applications of quantum mechanics in the study of time.
Veik was intrigued by Shamu's work and invited her to collaborate on his research on time crystals. Shamu eagerly accepted the offer and soon became Veik's partner.

Veik and Shamu had been working tirelessly on their experiments, driven by their passion for time crystals and retrocausality. As their research progressed, their relationship grew stronger, and they fell deeply in love. They eventually adopted a child, Zekki, who they hoped would one day follow in their footsteps.

Their experiments involved sending signals back in time to alter events in the past, and then observing the changes that occurred in the present. They tested their theory on small-scale experiments, but they knew that they needed to scale up their experiments to make a real impact.

However, as they continued their experiments, they noticed that the changes they were making in the past were having unintended consequences in the present.
Despite their reservations, Veik and Shamu continued to work on the project in secret, believing that they could control the outcomes and prevent any negative effects.

As Zekki grew up, he became increasingly aware of his parents obsession with time crystals and retrocausality. He had always disliked the concept of time and Zekki didn't share their passion for the subject. He resented how it had consumed their lives, leaving little room for anything else.
He often overheard their conversations and saw the stress and anxiety that their work caused them.

Zekki stumbled upon a notebook that contained detailed plans for a time crystal device that would allow them to send signals back in time on a massive scale. Somehow he knew that what they were doing was not quite right.
Despite being instructed to keep their experiments a secret, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
He felt impotent, but he also didn't want to waste his time on something that was none of his business.
Zekki spent most of his time escaping into his own world, where time didn't matter.

One day, Zekki's worst fears were confirmed when he overheard his parents discussing about the unintended consequences of their experiments. He listened perplexed as they realized that their actions were creating a ripple effect. The more they tinkered with the past, the more unpredictable the future became. They had created a time paradox, and they didn't know how to fix it.
Despite their efforts to keep their research under wraps, rumors began to circulate among the scientific community. Some researchers believed that Veik and Shamu were working on a dangerous experiment that could potentially disrupt the very fabric of time and space.
Word of their research reached the authorities, and soon Veik and Shamu found themselves under investigation. They were accused of violating the regulations, and their work was ordered to be shut down, but Veik was not willing to give up.

Veik, Shamu, and Zekki went on the run, traveling from place to place to avoid being caught.
As they hid in a small town, they received a message from an unknown sender. The message contained information about a small group of scientists who were interested in their work.
They had plans to neutralize the organization's that were after them, but in exchange, they wanted Veik and Shamu to share their research with them.

The message intrigued Veik, and he arranged a meeting with the scientists. After a tense discussion, it became clear that the group was working on a project with similar objectives.
They had already succeeded in creating a machine that could send small objects into the future. However, this theory was considered too dangerous, and a petition was started to prevent researchers from pursuing this line of discovery.
Despite this, the group was determined to continue their research in secret, and all records were carefully kept.

Veik and Shamu knew that this was their chance to make a difference. They contacted the group and shared all their research and findings with them, hoping that together they could stop the organization's plans.
Meanwhile, Zekki struggled with his own conflicted feelings. He knew that he couldn't support his parents experiments, but he also couldn't bear the thought of betraying them. He felt trapped, caught between his feelings for and his sense of morality.

As the group of scientists analyzed Veik and Shamu's research, they discovered the full extent of the damage that had been caused.
The time paradox they had created and the potential for catastrophic consequences.
Instead of glimpses into the future, the signals contained a warning of an imminent threat to the world. The disruption in space time has created a future where all time crystals are destroyed.
The only way to avert this catastrophe was to send someone into the future before all the time crystals were destroyed. This person would be tasked with restoring the world to a point in time when the crystals were still accessible, a time before the disruption occurred. The fate of the world now hung in the balance, and the scientists knew that they had to act quickly if they were to have any chance of averting disaster.

Zekki overheard their conversations as usual, but this time there was something different. He felt a strange sense of purpose as he listened to the scientist's plans. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had something to offer.
Maybe this was the moment he had been waiting for his whole life.
In an attempt to escape this reality, Zekki offered himself on the task for the first time.
If it meant to live in a world where all the things he despised were destroyed, then he was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.

The scientists were hesitant to send Zekki into the future. They argued that it was too risky, and that they needed someone with more experience to undertake such a mission.
But Zekki was persistent. Veik and Shamu saw the determination in his eyes and knew that he was serious about his offer. They felt a huge sense of pride in their son, and despite their reservations, they agreed to let him take on the mission.

After much deliberation, the scientists finally agreed to let Zekki go, but with one condition: that he would return to his own time as soon as he had accomplished his mission.
They didn't want him to alter the timeline any further than was necessary.
Zekki nodded his agreement, and preparations began for his journey into the future.

Zekki underwent rigorous training, both physically and mentally. He learned everything there was to know about time crystals and retrocausality, and he practiced using the time crystal device to send signals through time.
As Zekki prepared for his mission, Veik and Shamu watched with a mixture of pride and fear. They were proud of their son for stepping up to the challenge, but they also knew the risks he faced. They could only hope that he would succeed in his mission and return home safely.

Finally, the day arrived.
The time machine was a remarkable invention consisting of a small yet intricately designed time capsule that had the unique ability to suspend the passage of time. The time capsule is designed in a way that allows it to harness the energy of the time crystals to create a temporal bubble. This bubble acts as a shield that isolates the capsule from the outside world and stops the passage of time inside it.

As the capsule nears its destination, the time crystals slow down the passage of time inside the capsule, bringing it back into sync with the outside world. This ensures a smooth transition between the different points in time and prevents any dangerous paradoxes from occurring.

Zekki entered the time capsule, taking a deep breath, as he bid farewell to his parents.
The scientists activated the time crystal device, and the capsule disappeared in a bright flash of light.
In the blink of an eye, Zekki found himself in a desolate world. The once-chaotic landscape was now quiet, and the sky was darkened by thick clouds of smoke.
The cars, machines, and buildings were all rusted and abandoned, it was as if the world had stopped in time.
Everything indicated that time crystals had indeed been destroyed in this reality, but people still continued their normal lives.
Zekki felt a strange sense of relief.
He knew that he was supposed to save this world, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He had never felt like he belonged in his own time, amd he suddenly felt a rush of freedom he had never experienced before.

And now, what?

As Zekki wandered the quiet city, he realized that he had no plans. He had sabotaged the mission and escaped to a world where time crystals no longer existed, but he had no idea what to do next.
Maybe find a job, or pursue a career in something he enjoyed.
He sat on a near bench lost in thoughts, finally releasing the luggages and machinery he's been carrying the whole time.

He suddenly heard a voice calling out to him. "Hey, are you okay?" Zekki turned to see a young guy with a friendly smile looking at him with concern.
"You look lost, how may I help you?"

Zekki hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He wasn't used to talking to strangers, especially not in a world that was so unfamiliar to him.
But something about the guy's friendly demeanor put him at ease.
Zekki nodded, still lost in thought. "Yeah, I just arrived," he replied.

The guy smile widened. "Ah, a newcomer! Welcome to our little corner of the world. Where are you from?"

Zekki hesitated again. He didn't want to reveal too much about himself, "Uh..." "I just didn't want to go back to my old life, I guess," he admitted. "I wanted to start fresh, somewhere new."

The guy nodded understandingly. "I get that. Sometimes it's good to leave the past behind and start over. My name is Zukii, by the way. What's yours?"

Zekki introduced himself, and the two of them chatted for a while longer. Zukii was easy to talk to, and Zekki found himself opening up more than he had intended to.
As they talked, Zekki realized that he had been feeling lost and aimless for a long time. He had been so out of touch with the world that he had never taken the time to figure out who he was and what he wanted out of life.

Zukii noticed the pensive look on Zekki's face and asked, "Is everything okay?"

Zekki sighed. "I don't know, man. I feel like I've been drifting through life with no real purpose. I thought that maybe coming here would give me a fresh start, but now I don't even know what I want to do."

Zukii seemed to sense Zekki's internal struggle and offered some advice.
Zekki felt a sense of comfort in Zukii's words.
They talked about their interests and hobbies, and Zukii mentioned that he had always dreamed of creating his own studio, and was looking for a partner to help him with it.

Zekki's interest was piqued by the idea, and he asked Zukii more about his plans.
Zukii explained that he wanted to create a space where artists and creatives could collaborate and showcase their work. He envisioned a place where people could come together and inspire each other to create something new.
Zekki was intrigued by the idea and felt a spark of excitement. He had always been interested in creative pursuits, but had never really pursued them seriously.

Zekki didn't have any plans yet, so he agreed to move in with Zukii.
They exchanged contact information, and Zukii invited Zekki to come see his studio the next day.
As Zekki walked away, he realized that he had made a new friend, something he hadn't had in a long time.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.
They spent more time together, Zekki began to open up to Zukii. Zukii was a good listener, and Zekki found himself trusting him more and more.
Zukii's friendship was one of the few things that made life bearable for Zekki. Despite his inner turmoil and the weight of the world on his shoulders, he found solace in the company of his friend. He never told Zukii about his past or where he came from, but it didn't seem to matter. Zukii accepted him for who he was, and that was all that mattered.

As Zekki settled into his new life with Zukii, he couldn't help but notice how different this world was from his own. In this reality, time crystals were a thing of the past, and people had learned to adapt to a world without them. They had found other ways to power their technology and lived in harmony with the environment.

One day, as they were working together in the studio, Zukii brought up the topic of time travel. "Have you ever thought about going back in time?" he asked Zekki.

Zekki froze. He had been avoiding the topic of time travel ever since he arrived in this new reality. "Why do you ask?" he replied cautiously.

Zukii shrugged. "Just curious, I guess. It's always been a fascinating concept to me. Imagine being able to go back in time and witness historical events first-hand."

Zekki remained silent, lost in thought. He had been avoiding the topic of time travel for a reason - he didn't want to face the reality of what he had done. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he couldn't keep running away from his past forever.

"I've done it," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zukii looked at him in surprise. "Done what?"

Zekki took a deep breath. "I'm not from this reality. I'm from a different one, where time crystals were still in use. I was working on an experiment involving them when something went wrong, and I ended up here."

Zekki hesitated before telling Zukii everything. He told him about his past, how he had been a time traveler, about his mission, about the time crystals, and about his decision to abandon it all and run away.

Zukii listened with rapt attention, his eyes widening with each revelation. "So, let me get this straight," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "You had a time machine, and you destroyed it?"

Zekki nodded slowly. "Yes, that's correct. I had to get rid of it to stop myself from doing something I'd regret."

Zukii's eyes widened even further. "And you still have the last remaining time crystals?" he exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how valuable those things are?"

Zekki shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, I'm aware. I didn't want them anymore, but I couldn't bring myself to destroy them. They're authentic, though."

Zukii stared at Zekki in disbelief, trying to process everything he had just heard. "This is insane," he muttered finally. "I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to have the power to travel through time."
"But if it were?" Zukii pressed. "If you could go back and fix things, would you?"

Zekki's eyes clouded over. "I don't know, it's not that simple. Changing the past can have unforeseen consequences, and I've seen firsthand how dangerous it can be. Besides, I don't even know how to use the crystals anymore."

Zukii nodded, a small smile on his face. "Whatever you decide to do, I'll be here to support you. We're in this together, Zekki."

Zekki felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. He had never had someone who cared about him like Zukii did. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he had a real friend.

Zekki knew that he had to do something with the time crystals, but he didn't want to keep them any longer. They were a constant reminder of his past, and he wanted to move on. He decided to give them to Zukii, who he knew would take care of them.

"Are you sure about this?" Zukii asked, sensing Zekki's hesitation. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Zekki shook his head. "No, I'm sure. I don't want them anymore. They're yours now."

Zukii thanked Zekki profusely for the gift, promising to keep them safe and find a way to use them responsibly. As he left, Zekki felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had finally let go of his past and could move forward.

But as he went about his day, the feeling of relief he had experienced earlier slowly dissipated.
Memories flooded his mind, memories of his past life. He tried to push them away, but they only grew stronger.
It was as if time itself was beginning to unravel around him, like the fabric of reality was coming apart at the seams.

He realized with a sinking feeling that he had made a mistake in trusting the time crystals to Zukii, he needed to warn him immediately.

"Zukii!" a voice called out from behind him.

He spun around to see Zekki running towards him, a look of panic on his face. "Zekki, what's going on?" he asked, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

"The time crystals must be causing this," he said, looking around frantically. "We have to get rid of them before it's too late." Zekki exclaimed.

As Zukii rushed towards the time crystals, he noticed an eerie glow emanating from them. Zekki was struggling to stay focused as his mind raced with thoughts, frantically looking around for something to grab hold of. Zukii's eyes darted around the room until he spotted a hammer lying nearby. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and swung it down onto the time crystals, hoping to destroy them. However, the impact only caused a small crack to appear.

The glow started to intensify, as well as the growing distortion around the room.
The time crystals opened a time rift that was slowly expanding, threatening to engulf everything around them.
Zukii and Zekki could feel the force pulling them in. They tried to run, but their movements were slowed down, as if they were running in a dream. The distortion grew stronger, distorting their surroundings and warping reality around them.

"We need to get out of here!" Zekki yelled, trying to pull Zukii along. But Zukii was frozen, staring at the time crystals with a mix of fear and fascination.
Zukii could feel the energy surging through his body as he held onto the hammer, trying to destroy the time crystals. But it seemed as though they were resistant to his efforts.

"Zukii, let go of the hammer!" Zekki shouted, grabbing onto his arm. "We need to leave now!"

Zukii struggled against Zekki's grip, his eyes locked onto the time crystals. But Zekki was stronger, and he managed to pry the hammer out of Zukii's hand. With a final burst of energy, Zekki smashed the time crystals to pieces.

For a moment, the room was filled with a blinding light, and then everything went still.
Zekki was pushed away by the force and collapsed onto the floor, his body shaking from the impact.
The glow from the time crystals began to fade, and the distortion in the room slowly began to dissipate. Zekki let out a sigh of relief as he realized that they had narrowly escaped disaster.
"Zukii?" Zekki called out, his voice echoing through the empty room. "Zukii, where are you?"

There was no answer. Zekki searched the room, but there was no sign of his friend. He was consumed with guilt and regret. He knew he should have destroyed the time crystals himself, instead of trusting them to Zukii.

But then, he noticed something strange. A dark figure was looming in from behind.

"Zukii!" Zekki exclaimed, running towards him. But as he got closer, he could see that Zukii was different. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and his fur was pale and ghostly.

"Zukii, are you alright?" Zekki asked, fear creeping into his voice.

Zukii looked up at him, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "I am more than alright," he said, his voice sounding hollow and empty. "I have been reborn."

Zekki took a step back, his heart racing with fear. "W... what?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Zukii took a step forward, his movements jerky and unnatural. "I am no longer bound by the constraints of time," he said, his voice growing louder. "I have become something greater, something beyond your understanding."

"Zukii...?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I am no longer Zukii," the figure said, taking a step closer. "I am the embodiment of the time paradox that you created."

Zekki tried to back away, but it was too late. Zukii was upon him in an instant, his ghostly claws digging into Zekki's face. Zekki screamed in pain as Zukii's grip tightened. He struggled to break free, but Zukii's hold was too strong.

"You tried to escape your fate," Zukii whispered. "But now, you will pay the price."

Zukii's grip tightened even more, and Zekki could feel his consciousness slipping away. He closed his eyes, ready to accept his fate, when suddenly, he woke up.

He opened his eyes again to find himself standing still in the empty room, with the smashed remains of the time crystals at his feet. Zekki looked around, bewildered and disoriented. Had it all been a dream? A product of his imagination?

But as he looked down on his face, he didn't find any marks from the confrontation, however, he could still feel the sensation of Zukii's claws digging into his skin.
It had felt too real to be just a dream.
Zekki let out a shaky breath, trying to calm his nerves.
But as he stood there, he heard a voice inside his head.

"You cannot escape your fate, Zekki," the voice said, sending a shiver down his spine. "The time paradox still exists, and you are still bound by its consequences."

Zekki staggered back, trying to block out the voice, but it only grew stronger. He realized with horror that he was now the one trapped in the time paradox, and there was no escaping it.

Zekki sank to the ground, overcome with despair. He had thought that destroying the time crystals would break the paradox, but now he realized that it was too late.
He had doomed himself to an endless loop of trying to change the past, only to realize that his actions would ultimately lead to the same outcome. Zekki felt trapped, hopeless, and alone.
Again.

Zekki spent what felt like an eternity trapped in the time paradox. He tried everything he could think of to break free, but nothing worked. He was stuck in an endless loop of his own making, and there was no way out.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. Zekki lost track of time, as it seemed to have no meaning in this place. He was alone, with nothing but his thoughts and the endless repetition of his own actions to keep him company.

As time went on, Zekki began to feel himself slipping away. He felt his mind start to unravel, as the weight of his situation became too much to bear. He started to lose himself in the loop, forgetting who he was and why he was there.

But even as he lost himself, the voice in his head remained. It was a constant reminder of his fate, and it tormented him day and night.

Zekki didn't eat or drink, he didn't sleep, he just existed.

Zekki took a deep breath and tried to calm his mind. He closed his eyes and focused on himself.
He remembered his quest to change the past. He remembered the time crystals and how they had brought him to this place. And he remembered Zukii, his friend.

"Are you still there?" Zekki whispered, his voice barely audible in the emptiness.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, the voice responded.
"I am always here, Zekki," it said. "You cannot escape me, nor can you escape your fate."

"Will he come back if I make things right?" Zekki asked.

"Your friend Zukii?" the voice replied. "Only time will tell," the voice responded cryptically.

If there was a chance to make things right, to break the loop and save Zukii, he had to take it.

But how? Zekki had tried everything he could think of to break the paradox, but nothing had worked.

"Think, Zekki," the voice said. "What is the root of your problem? What is causing the time paradox?"

Zekki furrowed his brow, trying to remember.
"The time crystals," he said slowly. "They were the cause of the paradox. But I destroyed them, didn't I?"

"Yes," the voice said. "But destroying the time crystals only destroyed the effect, not the cause. The true cause of the paradox lies within you."

Zekki realized that he had been focusing on the wrong thing all along. He had been trying to change the past, but what he really needed to do was change himself.

As he focused on his thoughts, he felt a shift in the air around him. It was as if the space around him was changing, becoming more malleable. He opened his eyes and saw that the room had transformed.

He was now standing in a room filled with swirling colors and shapes. The space around him was alive and moving, like a living entity. Zekki realized that this was the manifestation of his mind, the place where time and space had no meaning, the only place where he could be free of the constraints of reality.

"I understand," Zekki said to himself. "I need to change myself, to let go of my regrets and make different choices. Only then can I break free from this cycle."

He closed his eyes again and focused on his thoughts, letting go of his past mistakes and accepting his role in the paradox. He made a conscious decision to change his actions and embrace a different path.

As he did this, the swirling colors and shapes around him began to change, becoming more ordered and stable. The room around him solidified, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself back in the empty room where he encountered the time crystals back to their normal shape.

He carefully picked up the time crystals, knowing the huge responsibility that they held.
He then walked out of the room, as the emptiness washed away.
As he left the facility, he looked up at the sky and felt a sense of...
Nothingness.
Even though he tried to feel something, grasp at some feeling, some sense of emotion, all he could feel was a void. It was as if the world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
He was back to reality.
He realized that he had a long way to go before he could fully make amends for his actions.

He began to walk down the path towards a new life, the time crystals in his hand serving as a constant reminder of the weight of his actions and the power he possessed.

As the day turned into night, he found himself on a quiet hill overlooking the serene city.
As he sat there, a deep sense of exhaustion washed over him. He had been running on anxiety and fear for so long that he had forgotten what it felt like to truly rest.

Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to fully let go, surrendering to the darkness and allowing himself to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The last words that could be heard were a faint whisper of

"Goodnight"