Time Is An Illusion

Training

"Okay," Mary Ann started, her voice still too loud and full of energy for the early morning. "I'm going to train you in how to fight, and Evelyn over here," she pointed at Evelyn with a smirk, "is going to teach you the important stuff, like the book nerd she is." Mary Ann muttered the last part under her breath. Clearly, they don't get along.

Evelyn gave me a small, uncomfortable wave. "Hi," she mumbled, barely audible, before Mary Ann launched into another tangent, supposedly explaining this place to me, but I could barely keep up.

“This town is like our afterlife! We’re a special kind of demigod. Since our souls are tied to some kind of death god, we can’t die for real. When we want to die, we come back here. But there’s also a way to, like, symbolically die,” Mary Ann continued, her words a blur.

Excuse me, what?

“If your mortal soul gets injured or killed, your day will… reset, kind of. You’ll keep the knowledge of your death and how to avoid it, and when you return to the living world, you'll have a little white streak in your hair. When your hair’s completely white, it’ll start to turn black. At that point, the next time you die, you can’t come back. So, try to stay alive, okay?”

This is absolutely terrifying. I don't want to die!

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Years passed, and now, as I stand on the brink of turning 21, I’ve changed my name to Luna. This name represents the profound transformation I’ve undergone in my journey towards self-discovery and inner peace. nah I just like the name.

This transition marked the beginning of a real commitment to training in focus and tranquillity. I needed these qualities to navigate the complexities of my life and powers. Even with all my dedication, I still find myself struggling with impulsivity and rashness. It’s like I can’t help but make snap decisions without thinking things through.

The challenges I face make it clear: patience and focus aren’t just virtues—they’re the driving force behind my powers. Achieving true mastery over myself is my ultimate goal, and it demands unwavering commitment to these ideals. As I continue on this path, cultivating patience and achieving self-control remain my central focus, guiding me toward real control over my powers.

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Another Decade Later

Now I’m 32, and the realisation that my physical and mental training directly affects my magic is both thrilling and scary. The harder I push myself, the stronger my magic gets, but it also becomes harder to control.

This developing power isn’t without its fears. I’ll never forget the catastrophe in my kingdom, the one my magic played a role in. Taking a life with my powers changed everything. Now, I’m terrified of what I can do. It’s not just the destruction my magic is capable of; it’s how it’s growing beyond my control.

As I continue to improve and strengthen myself, the challenge of harnessing and refining this power looms large. It’s a constant reminder of the fine line between mastery and disaster.

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The sun was high in the sky, casting shadows on the ground as a boulder came hurtling towards me. I dodged it just in time, and it crashed into a wall behind me, leaving a trail of destruction.

Today was supposed to be a normal day, but noooo, I had to do this instead.

I was fighting a massive octopus—yes, you heard that right—under Mary’s “watchful” eye. Every move was more unpredictable and harrowing than the last. Mary’s favourite thing: trial by fire. It demanded not just physical agility, but also mental sharpness.