#GenshinImpact On a forgotten island in the middle of a dark ocean stood an ancient place known as The City of Midnight Masks. Legends said it appeared only once a year—on the longest and darkest night. The city called to those desperate enough to risk everything for their heart's deepest desire. There was only one rule for those who entered: never remove the mask given to you. --- A young woman named Alice, who had lost her family and everything she held dear, heard the tale and set out to find the city. Her arrival coincided with the winter solstice. In the pale moonlight, she saw crumbling towers, streets paved with black marble, and shadowy figures wandering silently among the ruins. At the city's gate, a figure in a crimson cloak awaited her, their face hidden behind an elegant mask etched with silver patterns. — Welcome, wanderer, — the figure said. — What do you seek? "I want to bring my family back," Alice whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. — Your chance will come, — the figure replied, handing her a mask. It was black, with curved horns and blood-red eyes. — Wear this and remember: never take it off, no matter what you see. --- Alice stepped into the city. Shadows cloaked in masks surrounded her, moving gracefully, as though caught in an endless, otherworldly dance. They guided her to a grand hall, where a glowing crystal hovered above an altar. — This is the Heart of the City, — murmured voices echoed around her. — Your destiny resides here. The crystal flared with light, and Alice saw visions of her family—alive, smiling, and happy. A voice, cold yet seductive, whispered: — You can bring them back, but the cost is your true self. Alice froze, her heart pounding. She understood that to remove her mask and embrace the vision would mean giving up her identity, losing herself, and becoming one of the masked shadows forever. — Are you willing? — the voice asked, sharp and commanding. --- Alice closed her eyes, torn between longing and fear. Finally, she spoke, her voice firm: "My family wouldn’t want me to lose myself for them." The crystal dimmed, the city trembled, and the masked shadows halted. The mask on Alice’s face cracked and fell to the ground. The voice, now gentle, spoke again: — You have passed the test. To honor the past is important, but to lose oneself for an illusion is folly. The city faded, leaving Alice standing on the empty island at dawn. She returned home, not with her lost family, but with a newfound strength: to move forward was the greatest way to honor those she had loved. --- They say the City of Midnight Masks still appears on the longest night of the year. But only those brave enough to face their truest desires—and their deepest fears—ever leave it whole. - @animewarts0505