The traveler’s heart quickened with anticipation as he descended into the subterranean labyrinth. The passage dark, only dimly lit by torch given by the old flame as a parting gift, its flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. As he ventured deeper, the air grew cooler, carrying with it a musty scent of ancient stone and earth. The echoes of his footsteps reverberated through the narrow confines, a constant reminder of the solitude that enveloped him.

The traveler’s path twisted and turned, leading him through a maze of forgotten catacombs and tunnels. He relied on the knowledge shared by the elderly man he had met in the park, following the hidden route with unwavering determination.

As he delved further into the depths, the passage seemed to come alive with whispered secrets. Murmurs of dreams and nightmares, fragments of forgotten stories, and echoes of long-lost laughter surrounded him. It was as if the very walls held the memories of the city, echoing through the ages.

He passed through chambers adorned with ancient murals, each depicting scenes from the city’s history. He marveled at the artistry and the stories they told, realizing that this hidden underground world held more than just a passage to the core.

The mural depicted a stark contrast in its first section—a distinct group of individuals engaged in ruthless, ceaseless conflict, locked in merciless combat that appeared to have endured for centuries. In the subsequent part of the mural, exhaustion seemed to overcome one of these factions, as they searched for a sanctuary, a refuge where they could finally live in peace. Their quest led them to the city, where they were embraced by its inhabitants and rulers. During this era, it seemed that everyone coexisted harmoniously, free from the divisions of class or status. The city served as a haven, a sanctuary, a refuge where one could find respite and relish life free from the turmoil of conflict.

However, as the mural progressed, it unveiled a grim tableau—the city consumed by flames, the final image in the sequence. Something must have occurred, leading to the city’s devastation and its transformation into its current state. The traveler’s curiosity and anticipation for his expedition to the core and the sanctuary surged even further.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the passageway brought him to another realm—a subterranean expanse where an ancient underground city came into view. The traveler emerged from the hidden passage, his senses filled with wonder and trepidation.

The architecture of this city bore a striking resemblance to the one depicted in the mural, likely indicating that this was the ancient city, the one that was ravaged by the flames. Buildings of exquisite design rose from the cavernous depths, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals. Bioluminescent flora bathed the city in a soft, ethereal glow.

At this juncture, it became evident that the true City of Eternal Twilight had been destroyed and buried beneath the earth, rising anew from its ashes as a different city. While it still retained the gift of immortality, it embodied distinct characteristics and principles.

The traveler couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the forgotten city. It was a living testament to the power of dreams, a world hidden from the surface but thriving in the depths of the earth.

But he knew that his quest was not yet complete. The hidden passage had brought him to this underground marvel, but his ultimate goal lay in the heart of the city’s core. The sanctuary awaited him, it held the answers to his questions.

With determination burning in his heart, the traveler left the underground city behind and continued his journey. He was prepared to face whatever trials lay ahead, to confront the rulers of this dream-woven world, and to unveil the truths that had remained hidden for far too long.

The journey had led him through the depths of the earth and the annals of forgotten dreams, and he was now ready to find out who are the enigmatic rulers of the core. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but his resolve remained unyielding as he embarked on this daring quest into the heart of the city’s core.