*Sensitive story up ahead. Proceed with caution*
When Philip was a child, he realized the world too early after he experienced some misfortunes in life like financial problems, family problems, and abuse
He began to question God and his existence and his plans for the world. He came to a conclusion that no Gods exists that govern the world, everything was decided from the start and everyone goes with the flow of life and death
He created a concept that he can hold on to, to ask and rely on due to the hardest of times. He was a despairing child
He chose Time and Space because he believes that time tells and space does
Several years has passed and he gathered different concepts to hold on from like Life, Death, Gravity, Peace, and many more
He was holding on to life and continued on living and surviving despite suffering from stress and depression
He wanted to die and he considered to kill himself, but he doesn't want to do the deed and he wants for it naturally happen. Ultimately, he didn't die despite wishing for him to get robbed and killed, hit by a stray bullet, or get hit by Truck-kun
He became depressed even more despaired every single day
During his last year of high school, he realized that maybe, just maybe, if he finds love, he would become alive and all his stress and depression will disappear
He decided to confess to his crush, his love interest, as early as he can so no one can confess to her before him
The girl that he liked is a simple girl that has no special features or talent but for some reason, a few boys likes her, so he made his first move
Well, it is to be expected, she turned Philip down and rejected him. Not because she already has a boyfriend, but because she is still not ready to start a relationship
Philip expected this and he actually relieved when he was rejected. A part of him wanted love but in the middle of a confession, he realized that he was using her for his own goal and he hates using someone for his own personal gain
Depression clouded his reasoning and he decided to confess out of the blue. It was a good thing that he was rejected, that what he's been thinking after several days
But deep inside him, he feels that his heart is breaking and shattering, turning to stone, turning to ice, wrapped by chains and thorns, locked by locks, and sealed by a box
His interest in love disappeared... Several of his emotions related to love has also been depleted
He got depressed even more and despaired to the point his eyes tear up for no reason in a random time in a random place
He holds on to life by using his smartphone everyday, he became like a NEET, but not locked in a room since he and his family has been evicted in their own hosue for demolition due to ownership problems
He stays in the corner of his grandma's house in the living room since all the rooms has been occupied. He also doesn't eat meals in proper times but he eats healthy meals that his grandma cooks, but only a little and he eats twice a day in the morning and midnight
His studies are unhindered since he somehow maintains the absolute average of his grades. He can easily become the top 1 students of his area if he's not having a hard time in life since he's incredibly lazy around this times
He mostly reads novels and mangas everyday, watches anime seldomly since he already watched almost every anime there is, watches livestreams of a famous wholesome streamer, he also sometimes writes novel of his own, and browse threads and feeds of some known apps and websites
Ever since then, he always wanted to know whatever will happen tomorrow or on the next day so he can prepare to despair on those days. He developed the habit to predict future within a day. He eventuallyanaged to predict the future more than a day
His predictions sometimes became accurate, sometimes inaccurate, and sometimes indirectly or half accurate. Still, he can predict, or rather, see some parts of the future
Since he despairs everyday just by living, he has tried to control most of his feelings and emotions. He succesfully removed and manipulated them but there are feelings that just can't be removed such as hunger, drowsiness, sleepiness, and vertigo but eventually, he has lessened those feelings
This is the time where he has been overloading his brain to the point he gets constant headaches. He is fully self-aware of what's happening and he realized that he can take advantage of this
He believes that human minds, particularly human brain, are one of the most powerful forces in the universe since it has the ability to almost learn everything in the universe, if enough resources was provided. If only humans can achieve the full capacity of their brains, or at least even half capacity, then humans can rule the universe one day
Spoiler alert, they did
He then focused his mind to concentrate on anything that he wants that the laws of physics that can allow. No air bending, no ki blasts, no fire bending, anything. Just the ones that can have the possibility, even if it's less than a fraction of a fraction of a percent, to happen in the future
Eventually, his wants was granted for some unknown reason. It was not set when he will receive or get his wants, it just happens. He also may have forgotten what he wanted and he just got what he wanted
This happened multiple times that even him can notice the anomaly. He experimented and tried again and again with this strange ability of human mind
He realized that the result are unpredictable since it has a random place and time from happening. Good thing he can already predict the future
He tried it again with the help of his Future Vision. Eventually, his results came to fruition
He can will anything he wants in reality just be wanting it
Of course, this doesn't happen with no reason at all. He believes that all things are connected and relative to each other that time and space also has a correlation with the connection of all things
With everything that he experienced during the time he despaired, he connected everything
It was all fate
He says...
Eveything has been decided. His depression and despair were gradually getting better since he realized that what just happened to him was decided from the start
But for what reason? Why? Why him?
That was his question ever he discovered that he has the ability to control fate
This, however, did not make him happy nor did his burden became light. He became completely emotionless and devoid of feelings. He entered stasis mode where he absolutely doesn't care anything around him
This was the year 2020, the time before 2021
Is everything that happened to Philip real? Is it just his imagination and his Chuunibyou trait? No one knew, only him. He absolutely believed it when 2021 happened even when he doubted it back then
***
Magic was introduced to the world. The world turned upside down and turned for the better. Everyone's dreams came true and all of their problems were extinguished from the world
One of them was Philip, his depression and stress were wiped out. His despair was pulled inside of him, locked forever. He became alive, more than ever. He became like this because it was overwhelming for him that he managed to bend and control the Fate of the world to something that he wanted. He did not regret that he didn't bend the Fate of the world towards destruction but to reconstruction
It was the last year of his college. He was admitted to the most prestigious school in America and in the world, the Oxford University, due to his scientific innovations and discoveries that he made ever since he became a new person when the Mystical Era arrived
He was one of the most known student and personality in the university and since his works has been revealed to the world, most people also know him but not too much based on his personality, past, and personal information. They only know him by name and photos since he doesn't show his face in live camera
During his college, he met two individuals and became friends with them
He first met Eduardo, who is also the same nationality as him, and they became best friends in just a few months. They help each other, mock each other, banter against each other, and sometimes have a fist fight due to some misconceptions with each other
Even though Eduardo is a little bit smaller than Philip, he's more muscular than him yet Philip always win in a fist fight. Mostly because of his imaginary power of Pain Denial where he denies the pain he receives and convert that supposed pain into strength and reflext back the pain two fold
Eduardo and Philip is a part of the Grand Generation that help with the scientific advances of the world due to newfound energy sources such as Spirit Stones. Eduardo had his scientific breakthroughs, as well as Philip's own scientific breakthroughs. Sometimes they combine their discoveries and create a bigger discovery
Being a part of the Grand Generation means that they are the people that had their brains unlock a fraction of their brain capacity due to the influence of Mana and Mystical Energy that spread through the world. This in turn made them smarter and more effecient and this is the cause of the exponential increase in scientific advancements
Eduardo's specialty is Architecture, Material Research, Alloy Engineering, and Bio-Muscle Anatomy
Eventually, they met a girl named Ysabelle, who is also the same nationality as the two. She was one of the most popular girls in the university and her interest was caught between the two
She approached them in hopes to befriend them. Unlike the typical norms and cliche in movies, novels, and anime, Ysabelle didn't have an ulterior motive and just genuinely wanted to have a normal friends and not just people constantly oggling and trying to befriend her to take advantage of her
She is also a part of the Grand Generation and she specializes in Computer Programming, Cyber Engineering, Code Mastery, and Hacking
The two were surprised at the sudden attention coming from Ysabelle, especially from the stares and glares from the student body
The first days were rough and the two were on guard against Ysabelle because of her position and popularity. They also had little to no experience with girls since Eduardo is not interested and doesn't care about any romantic relationships and Philip has his heart erased and empty
Eventually, they recognized Ysabelle, not just by her looks, but by her skills and ingenuity. They accepted her in their friend group and all three of them obtained higher achievements that no one in the university can achieve
Until, the last year of college came...
A love triangle actually developed within the group
Philip liked Ysabelle since the first day but his love wasn't blooming and he's keeping it to himself since his Emotion Manipulation hinders most of his feelings and it became an unrequited love
Eduardo liked Ysabelle halfway through their friendship ever since he stays up late and Ysabelle helps him with his research and stays with him to help him
Philip knows that Eduardo likes Ysabelle and he decided that he will lose this and let Eduardo take Ysabelle. He wants his best friend to be happy. He didn't care about himself because he knows that deep down, he's broken and devoid of feelings
Eduardo also knew that Philip likes Ysabelle since it was obvious based on Philip's behavior when he's alone with Ysabelle
Eduardo's a fighter and he wants to win Ysabelle and he wants Philip to fight for her. Philip always wins in a physical fight, he want to win in a fight for love. But in the end, he was sad when he noticed that Philip didn't want to fight over Ysabelle and he wanted for him to go for the offense and take her. Eduardo took this opportunity half-heartedly and decided to get closer to Ysabelle when he realized something before he did anything...
Ysabelle liked Philip
From the start, Ysabelle did want to befriend the both of them but in reality, she was interested in Philip the most, and that's why she wanted to befriend both of them initially. She was surprised that Philip wasn't affected by her looks and views her as an ordinary girl at first impressions, unlike the others. She also found out that Philip, despite being a genius, had a dark past and he has an unusual view to the world and to certain aspects of himself
Ysabelle has been observing Philip throughout the years
Ysabelle knows that Eduardo likes her due to his behavior and she takes it as a compliment. She also knows that Philip likes her and sometimes show it but he holds back or resists for some reason. This made her very happy and confused yet understanding
She then waited for the day for Philip to show signs until he confessed to her. She already fantasized about their future and how she would make Philip happy since she knows that he will make anyone happy with the effort he puts in, especially on his research and works
But that day never came...
***
It was the last year of college, graduation day
Eduardo confessed to her before the graduation, before Ysabelle could say something, he said,
"Before you answer me, I want you to wait for Philip first. I know that you also like him. If he doesn't come, I will wait for your answer"
Ysabelle was surprised that Eduardo would confess to her right now before the ceremony. She was also happy that she was given time to answer his confession and to find Philip
It was a cloudy day and the ceremony started
Ysabelle ran around the campus to find Philip. She hacked the security cameras to find him in common places and in the ceremony room, even in places that a camera can't reach. Ultimately, she couldn't find him
Eduardo didn't attend the ceremony and stood at the front entrance of the campus under a tree next to a bench where he and Ysabelle separated for her to find Philip. He stood and watched the entrance to see if someone will exit
The sky darkens and rumbles as the ceremony is coming to an end. Ysabelle ran through the hallways with a tear on the corner of her eyes. She was actually desperate for love. She couldn't find him
She exited the entrance of the campus and saw Eduardo still standing under the tree. The ceremony was already over about an hour ago and professors and a handful of students are seen leaving the gates
It was raining and all of them had umbrellas, except for Eduardo. He was drenched in rainwater. He stood still and furrowed his eyebrows as he saw Ysabelle ran out of the entrance out of breath and tears forming at the corner of her eyes
She walked outside towards Eduardo, not minding the cold rain. Eduardo just stood still
She stopped in front of him. He looked down, waiting for her answer, until he heard a heart wrenching sound
*Sniff*
He looked up and saw Ysabelle almost cried, holding back her tears. She said as her voice is almost breaking,
"Where did Philip go?"
Eduardo couldn't answer and he furrowed his eyebrows more and shock filled his eyes indicating that he doesn't know and he's surprised that Philip's not here
Understanding Eduardo's facial expressions, Ysabelle understood
She burst into tears and wailed. Her wailing was muffled by the sound of the raindrops hitting the ground. Only Eduardo can hear her. He couldn't believe that this is the amount at how Ysabelle loves Philip. He was filled with regret and disbelief on Philip
Philip lost his chance
***
The rain began to settle down as the sun starts to peak through the clouds, Eduardo and Ysabelle is sitting at the bench away from each other with at least one meter distance
Ysabelle began to supress her sniffles and rubs her eyes to clear the tears while Eduardo places both of his arms behind the backrest of the bench as he stared at the clouds that are starting to dissipate
"So, about that confession" Ysabelle spoke and Eduardo's eyes widen. He's feeling nervousness and excitement at the same time, as well as feeling his heart drop. "Do you have an answer?"
"I do." Ysabelle assured him and Eduardo became silent and waited for her answer
"I'll have to reject you" Ysabelle answered with dignity as her face is clean of tears
Eduardo felt defeated as he felt a stake stabbed through his heart, he drooped his head to the right
Unlike Philip, Eduardo has a high emotional intelligence and accepted her answer. He just couldn't believe that, even in love, be still lost to Philip. At this point, he also accepted that he'll stay at number 2 spot, behind Philip's shadow beside him
"Alright, I knew it." Eduardo said as he tries to supress his regret
"Really? You're not devastated or depressed?"
"Not really, I already knew you liked him and I figured that I will lose. I just shot my chance at confessing to you"
"You're brave, I'll give you that"
"Philip's braver than me... So, we're still friends?"
"Yes, we're still friends"
Both of them went quiet for several seconds until Ysabelle broke the silence
"Wonder where Philip went..."
"No clue either, he didn't tell me anything. He disappeared. I also didn't see him come outside the entrance"
"Do you think he was kidnapped?"
Eduardo paused and looked at Ysabelle with worried and puzzling eyes
"Nah, I doubt it. Besides, if he's been kidnapped, I'm pretty sure he can defend himself and destroy the kidnappers"
"You have a lot of faith on him, don't you?"
"I do, he's my best friend after all. Besides, I'm pretty sure his 'Chuunibyou' will help him in tough situations"
"He's a Chuni??"
"He is, surprised?"
"I had no idea... So what does he call himself and what 'power' does he have?"
"Oh, he is not that kind of Chuni, and he doesn't have a name to call himself. Although, his 'powers' intrigue me to the extreme"
"Oh? What's that?"
"Future Vision and Fate Control"
Both went quiet once again as Ysabelle processed what she just heard while Eduardo has a smug look on his face. Eduardo didn't mentioned the Pain Denial because that's the only 'power' that he refuse to believe that Philip has. Ysabelle made a comment about Philip's powers
"That's some pretty grand 'powers' right there. A fraction of the power over time and full control of fate? That's unbelievable"
"It's true! I have even seen it with my own eyes and I couldn't believe it either"
The talks about powers were not shamed by normal people. This is because anything could be possible since the Mystical Age has come since these power might be magic from Mystical Energy and some other forces out there
"Why haven't I seen it?"
"Isn't it obvious? He's shy because of you. He doesn't want to show you his weird ritual at doing it"
"How does he do it?"
"He usually does a hand gesture on his right hand and it differs depending on something that he wants or is needed, then he normally places it on top of his forehead, just above the nose bridge"
"Normally?"
"Well... This is embarrassing to witness personally, but he sometimes draws patterns in the air and does intense gestures and he sometimes snaps his left fingers. He's saying that for 'it' to happen, he needs the snap to be succesful and crunchy that will release a resonance to the fabric of reality"
"Oooohhh, ahaha!" Ysabelle giggled cutely when he imagined Philip doing his rituals
"So, does his rituals come to fruition?"
"IT DOES!! IT WAS ABSURD!" Eduardo exclaimed excitedly as he remembers everything that happened when Philip did his things
"There was a time where I lost my watch and I told Philip about it, then he just placed his right hand on his forhead with the usual hand gesture, he then closed his eyes as if to concentrate, then he snapped his left finger!"
"Then?"
"He pointed at the student in the hallways and said, 'She has it, she's going to the Lost and Found to put it there'"
"Did that student had it?"
"Yes! Not only that! Before I went to retrieve my watch, he warned me that a running student will bump the girl that has my watch and both of them will fall! Did you know what happen?"
"It came true?"
"Yes!! Since Philip warned me about it, I caught both of them!"
"Whoa, really? Is his 'powers' real then?"
"I'm not sure, I still really want to doubt it, but it happened so much to the point that you want to believe it, even though he failed a few times, and you want to disregard those failures because of how accurate it became most of the time!"
"Really now?"
"Yeah, and maybe that's how he found out that you like him?"
"He knowns I like him?!" Ysabelle became flustered and her face turned red from blushing and shock
"I don't know, he didn't tell me"
"You!"
"Haha!"
Silence once again filled the area, until Eduardo broke it again
"I wonder where Philip is now..."
"I don't know..."
"... "
"I wonder how long will be gone"
"I'm not sure, but knowing him, it shouldn't be long... Or could be longer, maybe he'll go on an adventure"
"What?! I can't wait that long for him... Well, I guess he's an exception..."
"You really love him, huh?"
"Yes I do..."
*Silence*
"Alright, let's go." Eduardo stood up and called out to Ysabelle as he exits the gate. "We just have to wait for Philip and give him a welcome party, just the three of us!"
"Okie!" Ysabelle jumped up with a bright face and pumped her right arm. She is ready to start her new life, waiting for Philip and impress him once he return
The two of them walked together for a while until they reached the street where they have to split. They waved at each other goodbyes and went home. The day ends as Eduardo and Ysabelle starts their life milestone and help the world advance as they graduated from university
***
Meanwhile, in the middle of China. A portal has appeared and three individuals came out of it
It was Philip, an old man, and girl wearing a Sailor uniform
The three individuals was greeted by a huge grand building that spanned through the horizon to the left and to the right. The structure is surrounded by a lush forest and wide fields spanning through the horizons with a mountainous area at the distance
At the arch of the entrance of the structure, the name of the place is plastered in an elegant mystical lettering. The old man welcomed Philip
"Welcome to the Mystical Academy!!"