Sometimes, time is something you can't help but want more. Yet, it also feels like it moves so slow. In the end, I feel like the best way to personify time is to describe it as a river. You could be on the river's rapids blazing by the scenery, or you could be in the calm of the river enjoying every small detail around you. You can look back downstream at what has happened or upstream at what is yet to come.
I was born to a noble family and had a generational talent. Yet, I didn't even try to achieve what could have been my peak. Growing up by myself was tough, although my parents attempted to support me they never realized what I truly needed. I was given personal tutors in all the necessary magic subjects. Yet not once did I have anyone to truly call a friend.
After years of magic lessons, I realized fighting wasn't for me and chose to focus on magic research. I practiced science and learned history. In the world, I was at the pinnacle at both.
When it came to science, I was considered a top dog. I had discovered multiple laws and rules pertaining to alchemy and spells. I even managed to make the first working mana generator. However, despite my accomplishments in the scientific field, I felt something was missing.
Thus, I decided to slow down on science and instead focus on my other favorite topic, the past. I used my standing in the science field to enter a career of exploration and ruin diving. After my first expedition, I was hooked. While we didn't find anything revolutionary, Just a simple golden pocket watch in the shape of an eye. Which, despite its beauty and presence had no effect we could detect with our magic. I couldn't get enough. As a matter of fact, To show my commitment to my new career, I wore the watch every day till my death.
All of that led up to today, where after years of everything, I felt burnt out. I had given up on finding anything ridiculously impactful and instead just enjoyed the time I had.
As I aged I slowly started thinking more and more about the concept of time. I had begun trying to understand what time was, and while not perfect I felt as if I had found my answer. Time is a river.
Yet despite finding my answer I couldn't stop thinking of the concept of time. It kept coming back in my head and slowly cost me my sanity.
Eventually, I had reached the point that all I could think about was the flow of time.
I was obsessed and started to ignore everything around me. As the few loved ones I had left slowly drifted away from me, I was left alone, with nothing. All my work and accomplishments were for naught, as I spiraled deeper and deeper into my thoughts.
In the end, I knew I had lost it. I was mentally gone. Thus, I decided I would end it. I began to write a note but didn't finish 'Who would read the suicide note of someone as alone as me,' and went to the river where I jumped in and allowed myself to sink deeper and deeper until I had my final thought.
'My stream is coming to an end. After 39 years of enjoying the cool water, it's time I enter the ocean.'
-------------
Just as my consciousness faded, it snapped back, and I was aware of my surroundings. Around me were hundreds of thousands of clock faces all set to different times, 'wait how's that possible?' I proceeded to try and find something, anything that wasn't a clock. Then I heard it.
"Omae wa mou shindeiru."
"what?" I was at a loss, yet before I could think of something properly to say It had already slipped out of my mouth. I looked at the thing slowly rising out of the ground. The aptest description I could compare it to would be a humanoid clock. Yet at the same time, that felt inaccurate.
"Eh, That's close enough." The being's voice shook everything in the vicinity.
"What are you?" My voice trembled, seeing its power I was struggling to speak.
"Why I'm the god of time, and I'm here to offer you a prize for bringing me back my watch." I pondered what he could be talking about. I hadn't used a watch. Then I realized the only possibility.
"This watch?" I pulled out the old pocket watch I had salvaged on my first expedition and handed it to the god.
"Why yes! It truly is my watch that I lost oh so long ago. Now, as a reward for bringing back my precious treasure, I will give you a gift. In fact, I'll give you two, I shall give you a small portion of my own power as well as a second shot in life."
"Wait, but I don't want another life. I've lived long enough and am sick of living. That's the whole reason I'm here."
"Well, to be honest, I don't care! Everyone deserves to die happy, and you were lucky enough to get a second shot at it, so make the most of it. Ta ta!"
"Wai-" As I shouted I felt my body start to shift. No longer was I in the dimension of clocks. Instead, I was surrounded by a night sky full of stars. Then, suddenly all I saw was black.
----------
God's POV
After watching the little soul go, I sighed. 'Hopefully, she can find more fulfillment in this life.'
Seeing her go through all that pain due to the negligence of me losing my watch made me realize. I can't ignore the problems I cause mortal's I need to be better.
If only I had got my watch back manually she wouldn't have gone down that path of obsession. She could have lived happily, but I took that from her. Hopefully, this second shot can give it back, and help her overcome all that I put her through.