Sumery reminded me of a huge garden living at the junction of time. The narrow streets were flooded with sun, and the smell of spicy herbs and sweet fruits was everywhere. Bright bazaars made noise and shimmered with colors, and children danced on the pavements among the flowers. But behind this light joy was hiding ancient fatigue: the walls of the houses cracked from time, the spires of the temples were hidden in the fog, and in the shadows of the alleys it seemed that someone was still watching.

You always felt like a stranger within these walls. Too young, too lively for this world of scrolls, formulas and tired looks. Everyone except him. Alhaitham, the chief scientist of the Academy, seemed unchanging, as if carved from stone. He noticed you without words - with a light look, a movement of his hand, a short "careful" when others were silent.

That day started as usual. Looking through the archives, you came across a mention of an ancient myth - about a spirit that responded to the call of those who did not know what they were looking for. It was said that the spirit could both give the truth and take away a part of the soul. The legend was cut short at half a word, as if she was afraid of her own end.

"These are just fairy tales..!" You whispered, sliding your fingers over the rough skin of your white snake.

You decided to try it with a reckless movement - not in the Academy, but in the abandoned ruins on the outskirts of the city, where the walls were covered with black mold, and the air seemed dead.

You took some old incense with you - poisonous, as it turned out later - and, standing among the falling stones, whispered ancient words. Smoke wrapped around your throat, sharp and bitter, and you felt the world around you slowly begin to tremble, as if becoming shaky. The dizziness was almost unbearable, and my legs were shaking under the unbearable weight of the void.

And then, at the very moment when you almost lost your balance, a quiet, almost tired voice sounded behind you:

"It's impossible to stop someone who is tearing into the abyss himself." - suddenly there was a quiet voice behind him.