🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

—...How much do I value it myself... —Asmidul pondered, rubbing his reddened eyes, unsure if it was from the merchant's enthusiastic speech or cigarette smoke. —Yes, creative people have a way of making their words inspiring! But I understand the essence. If you lose faith in yourself, you'll lose your way on the path to achieving your goals. —He puffed, experiencing a new physical and mental sensation, and glanced at the fading winter sunlight. —...And tell me, Naoya. If some scoundrel suddenly decided to ruin your life for no reason. Just because they enjoy oppressing the weak and helpless. So much so that you can't escape or get support, and you don't even have the strength to fight on equal terms. What would you do then?

- I had a similar situation in my life, although not identical. In my case, that "scoundrel" was a room in which I was locked for some time. Just over a meter high - you hit your head on the ceiling, so you can't really stand up straight. Just over a meter wide - also a wall. Your hands are tied behind your back, the room is not freezing, but it's still cold, which over time makes your own limbs seem alien, and your muscles become so weak from inactivity that they are of little use. Sunlight never penetrates this room, and it is impossible to distinguish morning from day or night, but you can't expect peace in the darkness either - a bright white lamp above your head burns with blinding light around the clock. As for natural needs, there was a hole in the floor, and in your pants too, and food - unfinished or spoiled - was brought irregularly, specifically to make it more difficult to keep track of time. But the worst thing about all this was the boredom. In such conditions, minutes seemed like hours, there was no rest or respite, only a continuous agony. In moments of madness, you sometimes start talking to yourself, because there is nothing else to distract yourself with, and it becomes difficult to maintain your sanity. So, how do you think I acted in such a situation? - He closed his eyes for a moment and shrugged. - I was powerless. And yet, years later, I am here and happy about it. Therefore, the only thing I can advise is not to give up, because as long as your heart beats, your life continues, and there is always a glimmer of hope that everything will be alright, even if the situation seems hopeless.