Rotham emerged into a forest unlike any he had seen before. Trees stretched endlessly, their branches weaving into shimmering patterns that pulsed like veins of light. The air was thick with energy — vibrant, alive, and unsettling.
Before him stood a colossal tree, its trunk wider than a building and its leaves glowing with an ethereal blue hue. Its roots snaked deep into the ground, and its branches stretched high into a sky swirling with stars and possibilities.
This was the Choice Tree — a nexus where every decision Rotham had ever made, or could make, branched out like endless paths.
Selin's voice whispered beside him:
"Each branch represents a timeline, a reality where a different choice was made."
Rotham's gaze followed the branches, each shimmering path flickering with scenes — some hopeful, others dark and twisted.
"So, this is where the cycles come from?"
"Exactly. The tree grows from your decisions, from every echo of yourself."
A figure emerged from the shadows beneath the tree — a younger Rotham, eyes wide with fear and wonder.
"You don't have to do this alone," the younger Rotham said. "But be warned — pruning one branch can make others wither."
Rotham stepped forward, heart pounding.
"I'm ready. To rewrite. To choose."
He reached out, fingers brushing a glowing branch.
Suddenly, the tree shuddered. A voice thundered from the sky:
"Beware the Price of Choice."
Rotham tightened his grip on the Seed.
The first path opened before him — a cascade of light and shadow, beckoning him forward.