The afternoon passed quietly as Biel and Bastian wandered through the less crowded streets of the city. It had been a long time since they had an affair together, and this day seemed like the perfect time to explore unknown places. "Are you sure there's something interesting here?" Biel asked, looking at the old, faded buildings around him. "You never know what you might find in places like this. And if not, at least we'll have something to laugh about," Bastian replied with a carefree smile. As they walked, a small shop caught their attention. It was peculiar, with a worn fa?ade and a half-erased sign that read, "Antiques and Rarities." The window displayed strange objects: antique clocks, worn maps, and something that looked like a ceremonial mask. "Shall we enter?" Bastian asked, looking at Biel curiously. "I don't know, it seems... strange. "Precisely for that reason. Come on, or are you afraid? Biel snorted, feigning indignation. —Of course not. You first. Bastian pushed open the door, which made a long creak, as if it hadn't opened in years. Inside, the air smelled of old wood and something more indefinable, perhaps incense or accumulated dust. The shelves were full of objects that looked like they were taken from a museum: rusty swords, colored gems, leather-bound books. Behind the counter, an older man watched them intently. His face was partially obscured by the shadow of a black hat, but his clear eyes shone with an intensity that made the two young men feel exposed. "Welcome, young people. Not many people enter here. Look what you want, but remember: everything has its price," said the man, in a deep but gentle voice. —Does that include playing? Bastian asked, approaching a glass figure in the shape of a dragon. —It depends. Some things are more sensitive than others. Biel walked between the shelves, letting his fingers brush the objects carefully. There was something in the air, something that attracted him, although he didn't know exactly what. That's when she saw it: a shattered crystal on a simple pedestal, surrounded by a dim light that seemed to beat like a heart. "Hey, Bastian, come and see this," he called. Bastian approached, and his expression went from curiosity to amazement. — Now that's strange. "That, young people, is the Infinity Shard," the man said, slowly approaching. "What?" Bastian asked, raising an eyebrow. "A very old artifact. According to the stories, it connects worlds and times. Some say that he has his own will, that he chooses whom... Transforms. The man paused, as if deciding how much to say. Then he added in an enigmatic tone: "Others believe that it is not an object, but a test. That only those destined can touch it without fatal consequences. Biel frowned. "And how does it work?" "That's the question, boy. No one knows for sure. But I warn you, it's not a toy. Bastian laughed. "A toy?" Please, it's just a crystal. How dangerous could it be? Before Biel could answer, Bastian reached out to the Shard. Biel, hesitating for a moment, did the same. "No!" The man shouted, but it was too late. As soon as his fingers touched the glass, a blinding light filled the tent. The air seemed to electrify, and a sound similar to a bang enveloped them. Biel felt as if the ground disappeared beneath his feet, and an invisible force dragged him into an unknown abyss. "Biel!" Bastian managed to shout, but his voice faded into nothingness. A New World When Biel awoke, he was lying on fresh grass, but something about her was different: the smell was sweeter, almost intoxicating, and its texture softer than anything he knew. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking at a strange sky, with purple and blue hues that seemed to dance against each other. The stars shone in broad daylight, as if defying the laws of nature. He sat up with difficulty, his muscles tense and his mind dull. Dizziness and confusion invaded him. "Where am I?" he murmured, looking around. The scenery was both beautiful and unsettling. The trees were gigantic, with leaves that seemed to be made of glass, and small lights floated between the branches, as if they were magical fireflies. However, there was something in the air, something almost imperceptible, that made him feel vulnerable, as if he were being watched. "Bastian!" He shouted, hoping to get an answer. But all he heard was the echo of his own voice. The silence of the forest enveloped him, and a shiver ran down his spine. The feeling of loneliness began to settle, but so did a spark of curiosity. With no other choice, he began to walk, trying to find something or someone who could explain what was going on. The sounds of the forest were strange: a constant rustling, as if the leaves were talking to each other, and a low hum that seemed to come from the ground. Every step he took filled him with anxiety, but also with an inexplicable fascination. After what seemed like hours, he arrived at a clearing. In the center was a bonfire, and next to it, a hooded figure. The light of the flames partially illuminated his silhouette, but his face remained hidden. Biel stopped, unsure. The figure raised its head, as if it had sensed its presence, and spoke in a soft but firm voice: "I was waiting for you, Biel. Biel took a step back, surprised and scared. "Who are you?" How do you know my name? The figure moved a little closer, but still kept his face in the shadows.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.