/simu/ - >Date: April 24th, 2017>Location: Sanctuary City - Financial Sector - Wiseman Faults>Time: 5:00 PM>Wiseman Faults is the largest private equity firm in the world - managing tens of trillions of assets. The vast majority of those assets are owned by

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[Solo] - "The Mind's Eye" Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 02:23:45 No.1562

>Date: April 24th, 2017
>Location: Sanctuary City - Financial Sector - Wiseman Faults
>Time: 5:00 PM

>Wiseman Faults is the largest private equity firm in the world - managing tens of trillions of assets. The vast majority of those assets are owned by the firm's CEO - Isaac Meisner.

>As Isaac finishes up a call with a client at the end of the work day, he looks around his desk - taking note of the different papers and financial reports outlined before him. Projections for growth among various subsidiaries, likely acquisition targets and litigation material are all laid out before him - as he finishes his call.

"…Thank you again Mr. Matthews. We'll consider your arrangement for a joint venture with that new start up company. Hopefully they'll be a good competitor to DataDrive. Yes, thank you again. I'll talk to you soon."

>Hanging up the phone, Isaac writes a final series of numbers and statements on the paper before him - as he then feels a presence appearing. Immediately recognizing the presence, he then thinks to himself:

{"Hmm. I wonder what he's here to ask me about?"}

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 02:24:57 No.1563

File: 1682562297010-0.jpg (92.73 KB, 1200x599, Wiseman Faults - CEO Offic….jpg)

File: 1682562297010-1.gif (905.49 KB, 480x360, IT - 4.gif)

File: 1682562297010-2.jpg (68.57 KB, 633x1200, Aiden.jpg)

File: 1682562297010-3.jpg (1.3 MB, 1800x2000, Isaac - 18.jpg)

>>1562
>Within a moment, Aiden suddenly appears before Isaac - standing across from his desk. Visibly irritated and looking off to the side, Aiden doesn't speak for a few seconds.

"……."

>Afterwards, Isaac then finally addresses him as he continues writing on his papers at his desk with diligence and precision as usual.

"What can I help you with, Aiden? Financial advice? Business proposal? Capital raising?"

>Aiden remains silent for a moment as he looks over the office with his eyes - carefully taking in every detail. With an exhausted burst of air, he then looks at Isaac and says:

"….I need a second opinion."

>Isaac continues writing at his desk as he states:

"On what?"

>Looking at Isaac still, Aiden then says:

"On whether I should fire your mess of a brother-in-law and kick him out of my company once and for all."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 02:52:37 No.1564

File: 1682563957321-0.jpg (92.73 KB, 1200x599, Wiseman Faults - CEO Offic….jpg)

File: 1682563957322-1.jpg (116.34 KB, 823x971, Isaac - 13.jpg)

File: 1682563957322-2.jpg (55.27 KB, 564x810, Aiden - 20.jpg)

>>1563
>Stopping his writing, Isaac then slowly lowers his pen and looks up at Aiden with a concerned expression.

"….I trust Orion didn't break any laws pertaining to financial impropriety?"

>Aiden shakes his head.

"No, he didn't. At least as far as I know."

>Isaac then narrows his eyes as he continues questioning Aiden's motives:

"Then what caused this change in judgment about his character in your eyes?"

>Aiden slowly shifts his gaze away from Isaac - instead looking at the wall on the side of the room.

"You can read my mind and figure it out. I don't care - unlike him."

>Sighing, Isaac then mentally scans Aiden's mind - surface level thoughts which Aiden is now fixating on. After getting a read on the situation, Isaac then says:

"Aiden, he didn't do anything to warrant his termination as COO. I can understand your frustration at his outbursts - Orion is anything if not temperamental."

>Aiden's eyes narrow reflexively - his hands balling into fists as well as he tries to restrain his facial expression; a look of anger mixed with frustration slowly appearing across his face.

>Isaac continues:

"But that does not justify a response this drastic. You need to calm down, Aiden. What happened isn't your fault."

>Aiden stops balling his hands into fists as he then looks back at Isaac.

"He's still a prick."

"He is, yes. But so are you."

"……"

>Grunting, Aiden then sits down at the chair across from Isaac's desk. Isaac then looks at Aiden for a moment, before pointing at the door behind him.

"Alright then. If you insist on acting this emotional. I have a suggestion."

>Nodding behind Aiden, Isaac brings his attention to the closed door of the office.

"Open it and walk through - we'll begin after that."

>Aiden looks at the door as he says:

"…Begin what? Isaac, what are you talking about-"

>As Aiden turns back, he realizes that Isaac has disappeared.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 02:58:49 No.1565

File: 1682564328879-0.jpg (92.73 KB, 1200x599, Wiseman Faults - CEO Offic….jpg)

File: 1682564328879-1.jpg (227.93 KB, 1170x625, Warehouse.jpg)

File: 1682564328879-2.jpg (2.19 MB, 1721x885, Aiden - 26.jpg)

>>1564
>Irritated, Aiden then stands up and begins walking towards the door. As he reaches to open it, he hesitates for a moment - feeling a sense of dread as he presses his hand to the door knob.

{"…..Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Not malicious, just….unpleasant…"}

>Shaking his head, Aiden mutters to himself as he turns the knob and opens the door - revealing an entirely different area.

"What the! Gyah!"

>Aiden suddenly steps forward - now falling through the door in the middle of the air. Looking around, he realizes where he is. In the middle of nowhere, he's close to the Archeon manufacturing plant.

{"This place? The hell? What's Isaac trying to do here?!"}

>Orienting himself effortlessly in the air - Aiden dives head first until he's mere meters above the ground. Right before he's about to connect with the ground - he does a perfect 180 degree flip in mid-air, and lands gracefully on his feet.

{"Tch. This better not be some vision quest nonsense."}

>As the ground emanates a soft ripple of air, Aiden slowly stands up - looking around. Doing so, he then remembers more about the area. The burning wreckage and the half damaged facility with the manufacturing equipment.

{"….Exactly as I remembered it. They day when I…."}

>Aiden's mind then flashes back to his fight with Faust - remembering the metallic chain he pulled from a nearby machine and inadvertently killed Faust with.

>He reflexively feels the back of his neck, ruminating about the situation.

"….."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:09:30 No.1566

File: 1682564970109-0.jpg (227.93 KB, 1170x625, Warehouse.jpg)

File: 1682564970109-1.jpg (38.49 KB, 564x503, Aiden - 19.jpg)

File: 1682564970109-2.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

>>1565
>As Aiden starts walking around the burning wreckage of the area, he then hears a voice from the front of the facility.

"Oh wow, look who decided to play?"

>Aiden's teeth grit instinctively as he recognizes the voice. The cadence. The tone. The language.

>A look of irritation and anger slowly appears on his face again as he turns his attention towards Faust. The supernatural Para-Human stands in the middle of the facility, clapping his gloved hands together. As he laughs and gives a series of gestures towards Aiden, he states:

"Grayson….I was wondering when you'd show up. It's been so boring without you? How's your sister by the way? Both of them."

>Eyes narrowing, Aiden slowly cranes his head to the side, as he then speaks with an eerily cold tone of voice.

"You're definitely a good facsimile of him. Just as irritating too. I guess he did a good job recreating you."

>Scoffing, Faust then looks offended at the statement - seemingly unaware of the context.

"Facsimile? You and your fuckin' big ass words. Why don't you focus on something way more simple and to the point."

>Faust points a finger out at Aiden, mockingly, stating:

"Like 'mercy' or 'begging' eh? Might give me a generous mood."

>Aiden, still annoyed, starts walking past Faust - giving him no attention.

"Hey! Fucker! We ain't done yet!"

>Faust puts a hand on Aiden's shoulder - attempting to grip it tightly. However, a sudden force causes Faust to scream in pain and recoil - with him clutching at his sprained fingers.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:14:06 No.1567

File: 1682565245957-0.jpg (227.93 KB, 1170x625, Warehouse.jpg)

File: 1682565245957-1.jpg (14.73 KB, 453x666, Aiden - 21.jpg)

File: 1682565245957-2.gif (1.99 MB, 500x280, Punch - 2.gif)

File: 1682565245957-3.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

File: 1682565245957-4.jpg (104.31 KB, 865x505, Explosion.jpg)

>>1566
"What the….."

>Aiden, still having his back turned to Faust, then says:

"One chance Jack. Just walk away. Maybe I should've given you that chance the first time, but I can't change the past."

>Confused, Faust then sneers at Aiden as he replies:

"The fuck are you even talking about, Grayson? I don't need help from a little bitch like you-"

"Just walk away, Jack. I'm not in the mood."

>Now angry himself, Faust then marches up towards Aiden - shouting:

"Hey fuck you, dickhead! You're the reason I'm even like this!"

>Faust then turns Aiden around by his shoulder and punches him in the face - doing no visible damage.

"It's your fault that I got into this mess!"

>Faust punches him again.

"…Your fault that I got thrown in jail and experimented on!"

>Once more, Faust punches Aiden clean in the face with no damage whatsoever.

"But worst of all, Grayson? It's your fault that I'm gonna fuck up everyone you care about! Phoebe, Kira and your good ol' mother-"

>Faust then feels a punch strike into his face - moving at enough force as to completely shatter his nose and send him flying backwards.

"GYAAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!"

>As Faust screams in pain - he's knocked backwards into a large chunk of machinery inside of the burning facility. Smoke rises and the fires begin to intensify in luminosity and temperature. Soon afterwards, the entire facility then explodes in a massive plume of fire.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:24:18 No.1568

File: 1682565857368-0.jpg (601.38 KB, 654x875, Aiden - 13.jpg)

File: 1682565857368-1.gif (1.95 MB, 500x270, Kick - 2.gif)

File: 1682565857368-2.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

File: 1682565857368-3.jpg (104.31 KB, 865x505, Explosion.jpg)

>>1567
>Aiden watches the blaze for a few seconds - before a figure bursts out of the blaze and then rushes towards him.

"GRAYSOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!"

>Faust rushes towards Aiden, in a blaze of fire and molten metal. As he reaches Aiden, Faust begins generating massive plumes of supernatural fire and energy. Massive conflagrations the size of skyscrapers begin to converge on Aiden's location - before exploding in an equally large surge of fire and heat.

>As Faust leaps backwards, he then shouts in anger once more - letting out all of his rage.

"Take that you smug piece of-"

>Before Faust can react, he's slammed in the face from the side - barely catching the movement of a figure in his peripheral vision.

>As he's slammed face first into the ground at hundreds of miles per second - his durability and natural resistance to kinetic force only leaves a surface level crater. However, the force is still immense - with his body now barely withstanding resulting damage and slowly crumpling under the pressure.

"Gyah….Ack! How the fuck did you…."

>Faust then falls onto the ground, in pain.

"How the fuck did you get so….strong………?"

>Aiden then looks down at Faust for a moment, before saying:

"…..By not being like you, and not being like myself - if I'm being honest."

>Faust tries to move, but is instead overcome by the sheer pain of the strike - still reeling from the force.

"I know you're just a simulation of him, but the real Jack is the result of my actions. I can admit that much."

>Coughing up blood, Faust then slowly looks up at Aiden - his mask cracked as he stares at him with hatred in his eyes.

"…Is the 'real' him before or after you beat the shit out of him? Ratting me out wasn't enough for you. No, you had to make sure that I 'personally' paid."

>Growing angrier, Aiden then says:

"Anyone who saw what you were about to do to that woman would've done the same."

>Faust scoffs as he continues coughing up blood.

"No. They'd call the people whose jobs deal with that. But not you. Ohhhh not you Aiden. Ha ha….You like to make things personal."

>Faust then slowly stands up, bringing his hand to his chest as he winces in pain.

"You were intoxicated after stealing a bunch of booze as well."

"Thanks to you ruining my life and leading to my family falling apart. Parents went away first because of you - and I was next."

"That doesn't justify attempting to beat up an innocent woman."

"So instead, you beat the living shit out of me. Ha ha….."

>Aiden looks away, still angry as he feels his rage building up inside of him.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:37:48 No.1569

File: 1682566668419-0.jpg (14.73 KB, 453x666, Aiden - 21.jpg)

File: 1682566668419-1.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

>>1568
>Faust then stops moving, and instead stands in place - standing before Aiden. Only a few meters away, both of them are silent for a moment as Faust speaks:

"….I planned out exactly what I was going to do to you, the minute I got out there. Even before I got my powers. I spent every waking moment picturing how I was going to make you suffer. Just for what you did to me."

>Silent for another moment, Faust then raises up a hand and slowly points a finger at Aiden - demonstrating a very accusatory stance towards him.

"It was the only thing that kept me going. Through all of the pain and all of the abuse I experienced there. Put away because of your stupid bravado. Your stupid ego. All of it."

>Aiden then looks down at the floor, the anger in his face slowly turning into regret as he places a hand to his face.

"….I didn't know-"

"No, of course you fucking didn't. You were busy living out your best life - the arrogant fuck that you are. Yeah, I'm a bad person. I've made a lot of mistakes that I will never live down - until the day that I die. Some would say I'm even beyond forgiveness. But you know what, Aiden?"

>Taken aback at Faust's usage of his first name at that moment, Aiden then looks up at Faust as he finishes his statement.

"….At least I don't fucking lie to people about who I am. You want everybody to like you, so you keep up that façade. That you're such a good person."

>Festering in a stew of emotions, Aiden then snaps back:

"You literally threatened to assault my twin sister, my older sister, my cousin and my mother. I'm a far better person than you'll ever be."

>Faust scoffs again before retorting:

"Yet the first thing you did was beat the ever loving shit out of me. Both can be true, Aiden. You're not as bad as me….."

>Then, Faust lowers his hand to his side, as he continues pressing his other hand to his chest - an attempt to ease the pain of the injuries that he's sustained.

"……But you're not a good person either - and you never will be."

>Aiden looks away from Faust, as his expression darkens. Faust then laughs as he says:

"You never told them did you? Your family. Your friends? You never told them what you did to me. All of it. Because how could you? It'd only prove the point even more. You're a fucking terrible person, Aiden. You always were - and you always will be."

>Faust brings his hands to his chest - pointing to himself as he speaks.

"I may be a monster, but so are you. Sure, I'm a bit rough around the edges, but you? You're an animal. Rage incarnate. Power incarnate. Once you get going and you cut loose, there is nothing in this world that can stop you."

>Pointing at Aiden once more, Faust then concludes by stating:

"….That's what you're afraid of the most. More than your friends and family. More than the city. More than the world. More than the supposed 'love of your life' in the form of that Japanese chick. No…You're afraid that if you let that monster outside of you. That pure, unbridled rage. Years of resentment towards your powers, your family and your own life?"

>Aiden then fully turns away from Faust, placing a hand to his chest as his eyes briefly glow red.

"You're afraid that if you ever cut loose - you'll never be able to make up for the result. You're a God damned monster Aiden - and I love it."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:48:30 No.1570

File: 1682567310141-0.jpg (601.38 KB, 654x875, Aiden - 13.jpg)

File: 1682567310141-1.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

>>1569
>Aiden then starts walking away from Faust, slowly. Not paying attention to the figure, he bares his teeth as he starts hearing more accusations from him.

"You're an arrogant prick with too much power and not enough restraint. When you don't get what you want, you throw a fit. Displace the blame. Make them the problem. You're so lacking in self-confidence, that you can't even accept the fact that not everybody likes you."

>Aiden continues walking, as Faust walks on from behind him, continuing his taunts.

"How many times have you been turned down again? A dozen or so? Not because you weren't good looking enough. Or presentable enough. Hell, not even smart enough - that wasn't the issue. No, the issue is that you were too much of a dick to people."

>Still gritting his teeth, Faust continues speaking:

"You're such a limp dicked moron that you can't accept the fact, that maybe she's just not into you. Maybe if you didn't short circuit like a dumbass in front of the Hoyokazi chick - you'd be at second base with her right now. But you screwed up, and now she thinks you're a weird loser."

>Once more continuing his walk across the ever expanding field of grass and nothingness, Aiden tries to block Faust out of his mind.

"Lisa thinks you're a joke - and for good reason. You're definitely compensating for something, and you're not willing to admit it. Then of course, there's your other crush. The Stephanie chick."

>Aiden continues walking yet again.

"You wanna know the funny thing? Isaac is everything that you're not. Funny, smart and sophisticated. Mature. Dependable. Not vindictive or spiteful in any way - and he didn't grow up with either of his parents! That's how much of a fucking failure you are, Aiden!"

>Finally stopping, Aiden still has his back turned to Faust, as the latter stops walking as well.

"Stephanie's more than happy with him for that reason. Your former 'pal' Orion? He just lashed out at you you for being a dumbfuck who couldn't show common courtesy. Hell, Stephanie herself made you read the room, didn't she?"

>Aiden is still silent.

"But they're gonna be fine. Orion and Madeleine? They're gonna have a happy family in the future. Isaac and Stephanie probably will as well. So will your sisters, and your brothers. Oh, your cousin Marek and his girlfriend Jenny seem to be doing just fine as well."

>Faust then walks up to Aiden, as he finishes with his last taunt.

"But not you, Aiden. You're too angry, immature, spiteful, vindictive and myopic to ever see beyond yourself. So because of your anger, and your rage - and your inability to let go, you're going to end up hollow and alone. With nobody around. No family, no friends and no legacy."

>All of the clouds then suddenly darken, as the vast expanse of plains becomes eerily silent.

"So, anything left you wanna say, before I put you out of your misery?"

>Faust says, readying a punch with his fist pulled back.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 03:57:52 No.1571

File: 1682567871699-0.jpg (52.6 KB, 556x638, Aiden - 38.jpg)

File: 1682567871699-1.jpg (234.59 KB, 1400x2075, Faust.jpg)

>>1570
"…I'm sorry, Jack. For what I did to you."

>Faust suddenly grows silent, as he them speaks with genuine surprise in his voice.

"…The fuck did you just say?"

>Aiden then turns around, tears in his eyes as he looks at Faust.

"….I know you're not a good person - this version of you. What you were before. But a lot of that was because of me, what I did. What I can't take back."

>Silent, Faust then stops moving as he says:

"….That doesn't change anything. What you did was unforgivable. I'm never going to forgive you for that!"

>Aiden the nods slowly as he states:

"Some things can't be forgiven, but they can be understood. Now I understand why you are this way, and what I did to bring you here. So whether you forgive me or not, it doesn't matter. I'm sorry, Jack. For everything."

>Faust then stops moving as he slowly stands in place. Lowering his arms, he then stares at Aiden for a moment as he says:

"…..Is that a serious apology, or just you feeling sorry for yourself?"

>Aiden shakes his head, his tears drying up.

"This is me just making up for what I did. I know I can't undo my mistakes, but I can acknowledge them, and how they impacted you. Nothing I say can ever make up for that - and now I know."

>Aiden then holds his hands out to the side in a gesture as he says, with resignation.

"You were right. I am an asshole. A prick. A selfish, conceited and arrogant person. All I ever do is antagonize people because I'm not used to relying on people. I should've stopped you the right way and left it up to the authorities to sort you out. I never should've taken matters into my own hands, and caused your life to completely fall apart."

>Faust is still entirely still as Aiden continues to speak.

"I should've been in control of my emotions more often - and I never should've kept my emotional distance from my family. Especially from Phoebe. I know that I'm part of the reason why she is the way that she is as well. That's on me. For not being there for her when she needed me."

>Faust then says something that surprises Aiden.

"….Then you finally understand. You don't need to be the instigator, and you don't need to be the one in charge - always in control either. You need to be yourself, and nothing else."

>Aiden then blinks for a moment - with Faust having disappeared in that instant that he blinked as well.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:08:47 No.1572

File: 1682568526575-0.jpg (92.73 KB, 1200x599, Wiseman Faults - CEO Offic….jpg)

File: 1682568526575-1.jpg (55.27 KB, 564x810, Aiden - 20.jpg)

File: 1682568526575-2.jpg (1.3 MB, 1800x2000, Isaac - 18.jpg)

>>1571
>After blinking a second time, Aiden finds himself back in the Wiseman Faults CEO office. Standing in place right in the middle of the room - Aiden looks around for a moment, dazed and confused.

"…Was that all an illusion?"

>Isaac sits at his desk - examining Aiden closely for a moment, before speaking.

"No, it was real. A simulacrum I constructed - from your memories and emotions."

>Aiden looks down at the floor, embarrassed.

"…Was that a magic spell?"

>Isaac nods slowly, his fingers interlaced between his hands and placed in front of his face as he replies:

"Yes. 'Oculus Mentis' - or 'The Mind's Eye'. It's a Thaumaturgic spell."

>Isaac stands up and walks around the table as he speaks:

"It constructs a pocket dimension based around the user's psyche. The stronger the emotional response to the spell upon activation - the more convincing the resulting simulacrum becomes."

>As he walks over to Aiden in order to stand in front of him, Isaac then sighs as he places both hands on his hips, continuing his explanation:

"It also constructs a façsimile of the world - based on the user's strongest emotions and their associated memories."

>Aiden then looks away from Isaac, red in the face.

"…..So you heard everything."

"Yes."

"Saw everything."

"Yes. I did."

>Aiden then feels a set of tears reflexively forming at the edges of his eyes - as he finally breaks down emotionally.

"….I….I'm just a….."

>Isaac then places a hand on Aiden's shoulder as he then speaks:

"You're not a failure, Aiden. You're a human being who has been through a tremendous amount of mental strife. It's made you stronger, yes - but it's also made you more emotionally vulnerable. It's left you scarred - emotionally speaking."

>Looking back at Isaac carefully, Aiden then replies:

"…..I think I need therapy of some kind. I'm just….I just keep relapsing into this. The anger. The resentment. The sense of entitlement. The negativity. It's too much."

>Aiden then slowly sits down at a chair, with Isaac sitting at a nearby chair beside him. Still speaking to Aiden, Isaac then says:

"I'm here for you Aiden, always. That's what friends are for."

>Aiden then places a hand to his face as he tries to hide his tears - feeling a sense of reflexive shame as he does so.

"I….I just don't want to be like this anymore. I hate it. I hate all of this. The pressure. The loneliness. The regret. It just hurts so much…."

>Isaac places a hand on Aiden's shoulder as Aiden begins crying.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:17:51 No.1573

File: 1682569071360-0.jpg (92.73 KB, 1200x599, Wiseman Faults - CEO Offic….jpg)

File: 1682569071360-1.jpg (52.6 KB, 556x638, Aiden - 38.jpg)

File: 1682569071360-2.jpg (116.34 KB, 823x971, Isaac - 13.jpg)

>>1572
>Time: 5:10 PM

>After recollecting himself, Aiden spent the next few minutes talking through his issues with Isaac - starting to narrow down the source of his insecurities and pain.

"….I think you're ultimately just attempting to cope with your real problem, Aiden. Loneliness."

>Aiden stares at the floor, his eyes red and watery from crying a few minutes prior.

"You've put such a tremendous burden on yourself, trying to watch over the city as Mosaic. You've more or less thrown yourself into your work, at the expense of your family and friends. It's left you resentful over your perceived lack of appreciation by others. You feel as if you're the only thing holding the city together, your family's company together and arguably your family together as well. You've done all of this work - and you don't feel appreciated; at least that's the perception, yes?"

>Aiden nods slowly as he looks up at Isaac, drying the last of his tears with his finger.

"…..Yeah. I just assume that nobody cares about me, or that everybody hates me."

>Isaac then looks at Aiden as he then says bluntly:

"You also resent me a bit for marrying Stephanie."

>Aiden immediately closes his eyes and looks away. Isaac waves his hands in a gesture to ease Aiden's concerns.

"Aiden it's fine. I understand. You're human. I know that you have strong feelings for Stephanie. I only said that to tell you that it's OK to have feelings. You're human, and you've respected my relationship with my wife in spite of those feelings. That makes you a good person, like any other good person."

>Still looking away, Aiden then opens his eyes as he states:

"….But you know that's not what's eating me up inside."

>Isaac nods slowly.

"Hiyuki, I know. You left a bad first impression - but as you said Aiden, you're human."

>Placing a hand on Aiden's shoulder again, Isaac then says:

"You're only human, Aiden. Well, not entirely. You're actually something much, much more - but that's a discussion for another day."

>Curious as to Isaac's statement, Aiden then brushes it off before turning his attention to him. As he finally dries his tears, he then says:

"I don't know what to do. I feel something for her - a lot actually. I don't know how to process it because I'm just…."

>Isaac then says to Aiden in response:

"Just give her space. If she really disliked you from the start - she wouldn't have bothered to take you up on your offer in the first place. I suspect she's handling her own issues at the moment. In the future, when she's more receptive to talking to you - you'll have another opportunity to show her how much you've matured."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:35:17 No.1574

File: 1682570116215-0.jpg (59.28 KB, 408x600, Aiden - 12.jpg)

File: 1682570116215-1.jpg (1.3 MB, 1800x2000, Isaac - 18.jpg)

File: 1682570116215-2.png (482.71 KB, 3360x2100, Mana.png)

File: 1682570116215-3.jpg (39.71 KB, 430x530, Future!Aiden.jpg)

File: 1682570116215-4.jpg (151.07 KB, 1031x1200, Future!Aiden - 17.jpg)

>>1573
>Aiden then looks down at his hands for a moment as he then says:

"…..I don't even know who I am anymore. I can't see myself being any better. It's just disappointment and failures now."

>Looking up at the wall before him, Aiden feels himself on the brink of tears again as his voice falters.

"….I can't see a future for myself that I'm proud of….."

>Isaac shakes his head as he leans in towards Aiden, placing two fingers on his forehead.

"No. That is not who you are, and that is not who you will become. I'll prove it to you. Close your eyes and just feel hope. Feel the first thing that comes to your mind - and everything that stems from it."

>Isaac then begins whispering an incantation - which Aiden instantly recognizes as Latin.

"Omnes Deum videntes, veram hominis naturam coram te orantem revela. Ostende illi vera futura!"

>Isaac then watches as sparks of multicolor rainbow light begin spontaneously appearing around Aiden's head. The luminosity of the spell grows brighter and brighter - as an image begins to manifest in the real world.

>With an incredulous expression on his face, Isaac stares at the holographic image, as he then says:

"….Aiden. You might want to open your eyes to see this."

>Aiden opens his eyes slowly as he responds:

"See what-"

>Immediately seeing the image before him - Aiden's eyes widen rapidly as he bears witness to the image.

>The image is of a man, seemingly in his late twenties. He has a deep red mark on his face, with long black hair reaching down to his shoulders. The man is wearing a deep red jacket with gold trimmings and a black undershirt. His lower clothing is equally ornate with neat black pants and well-polished black shoes.

>The figure's eyes are glowing a deep red as well - with one of his eyes partially obscured by his long bangs of midnight black hair.

>The figure then briefly shifts his appearance - moving towards that of a costumed figure with a black body suit and red accents. A bright obsidian mask covers his face, with a glowing red visor in-between. The figure also sports a refined black hood. The figure has one of his hands placed on his hips, with black fingerless gloves surrounded by straps of black clothing.

"….What the…What is that?"

>The figure then shifts back to the prior form, with Aiden now realizing the identity of the person in the image. Looking carefully at the warm smile on the figure's face, Aiden then states:

"….Is that….me?"

>Isaac nods slowly, a feeling of pride slowly washing over him.

"Most likely. Nothing is set in stone obviously, but I seem to have tapped into something fundamental about your nature with that spell. Aiden, that is your future, more or less."

>The image then disappears as quickly as it appeared, leaving Aiden somewhat stunned and taken aback.

>Isaac then turns to Aiden as he says:

"That was your true Mind's Eye, Aiden. The image you have of yourself, deep down. The kind of person you truly want to be in this world."

>Aiden feels himself tearing up again as Isaac says the two words that he's always wanted to hear since he was a kid:

"A hero."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:44:48 No.1575

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>>1574
>Now starting to smile as he wipes away the slowly forming tears again, Aiden looks at Isaac and says:

"….If I need any help - can I visit you in the Axiom?"

>Isaac closes his eyes and gives Aiden a warm and genuine smile.

"Of course you can! You're my first real friend after all!"

>Giving Aiden a hug, Isaac then pulls back, watching as he sees Aiden's spirits lift up substantially.

"So if I need magic training, or a place to just relax or…"

>Isaac nods again.

"….'Si, Mi casa es su casa' and all of that. Like I said before - I'm going to be there when you need me, Aiden. That's what friends are for."

>Looking off into the distance, Isaac then states:

"Who knows? Maybe my impulsive 'mess of a brother-in-law' could become less of a mess in your eyes too?"

>Sighing, Aiden then says:

"….I'll keep him at his job. Like you said, he didn't do anything wrong. I'm definitely going to need my space though….."

>Patting Aiden on the back, Isaac then states:

"Fair enough. You two are indeed like oil and water. But that's also what makes you good partners. You cover each other's weaknesses and shortcomings. Don't forget that, Aiden. He's pretty important to your 'path' as well. Orion that is."

>Taking a note of Isaac's statements, Aiden then nods and stands up.

"Thanks. Speaking of which. I need to let off some more steam. I'm not sure if a cognitive pocket dimension is enough."

>Isaac then smiles as he says:

"I think I've got just the thing for you then….."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:51:07 No.1576

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>>1575
>Location: The Axiom - Training Room
>Time: ?????

>Mosaic continues weaving through the skies of the open dimension - still structured to look like a large series of island archipelagos.

"You're gonna have to do better than that!"

>As the swarm of large golems continue to throw massive boulders at him - he begins moving at hypersonic speeds; easily avoiding the large rock projectiles.

"Seriously, I'm starting to feel disappointed! Is that the best you can do?"

>Landing on the sands of the beach, Mosaic looks up as he then immediately generates large constructs of green magical energy in the form of claws. While doing so, he does a 360 degree spin jump. The range of the energy mana claws is enough to rip a dozen of the large stone golems apart - as the rest fall back and begin evasive maneuvers.

"What? Nobody wants to step up to the plate?"

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 04:58:56 No.1577

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>>1576
>As the rest of the golems move forward to rush down Mosaic - he responds by making a quick set of hand gestures - generating a massive surge of purple mana, which manifests itself as large lightning strikes.

>Focusing, Mosaic then makes another set of gestures with his left hand - generating a swarm of blue mana particles. The resulting spell cast then spontaneously manifests a flood of supernaturally glowing blue water. The water immediately begins flash freezing the remaining golems.

>As both sets of golems are defeated through either ice shattering or electricity disintegration, Mosaic takes a look around at his handiwork. Assuming a thinking position, he then says to himself:

"…..I could've improved my casting time - but this will suffice."

>After the golems have been defeated, Mosaic then watches as the world around him shifts - with the archipelago and the golems disappearing into non-existence.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 05:00:14 No.1578

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>>1577
>Once that has occurred, Mosaic then turns around and watches as the Axiom's internal structures come into view once more. As he looks around for a moment, he then waits for a moment until he then hears a distinct voice.

"New record time. Good work Aiden."

>Mosaic then turns around to see Doctor walking towards him, clapping his hands.

"You're getting faster with your spell casting and synergies. Impressive."

>Tapping the side of his helmet, he then says:

"Wisdom of Minerva and all that. Though it's technically not hers, since I guess I just outright copied their raw power so…."

>Giving a somewhat confused look, Mosaic exclaims:

"I'm still not sure how this all works with my power. But I'm glad that I can control it now."

>Nodding, Doctor then opens his signature tome - the Tome of Thoth, as he motions for Mosaic to walk with him through the Axiom's hallways.

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 05:10:53 No.1579

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>>1578
>The Axiom's corridors rapidly shift and distort - altering their surface area while the larger Axiom manipulates its relative volume. Rapidly closing the distance that the Sorcerer Supreme and his Magician friend have towards their destination.

>Numerous scrolls and tomes fly around the Axiom's internal hallways, with bright gold coins and multicolor gemstones glowing with a bright radiance on various shelves.

"I never figured out where these came from. Are they all souvenirs?"

>Doctor gives a partial hand motion with his free hand, as his other hand continues holding the tome in place.

"It depends. Some of the items are simply that - items created by various magicians and beings at different times in human history. The Sanctum of a universe generally keeps a record of every magical item that has ever been constructed. They're mostly for display purposes."

>Walking with Doctor still, Mosaic then looks at the bookcases that have altered their sizes as well, then asking:

"I'm assuming that the written literature is the same then? All of the archives are contextual in nature."

>Nodding, Doctor continues reading from his tome as he answers Mosaic's question.

"More or less. Any time a piece of information is written in the universe, the Sanctum of said universe keeps a copy as well. This is something that Stephanie uses to great effect - as it was how she was able to expedite her training. Millennia of knowledge at her fingertips."

>Closing the Tome of Thoth with his left hand, Doctor then looks at Mosaic as he asks:

"Would you like to examine the books? Of course I can only permit access to level one magical registries, as registries two through five are reserved for the Sorcerers Supreme in-training and after graduation. However that is still plenty of valuable tomes and scrolls for you to read."

>Nodding, Mosaic then looks at the bookcases as he says:

"Whenever I have free time. Reading them with you around could be fun."

>Doctor gives a light chuckle as he states:

"Believe me, Aiden, I'm a bore when it comes to literature. Stephanie knows that well enough I'd say."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 05:25:27 No.1580

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>>1579
>As they reach the living room of the Axiom, Doctor then turns to Mosaic and says:

"You did a good job facing your demons today, Aiden. Not many people can stare their insecurities in the face - and refuse to blink first. You did just that."

>Mosaic scratches the back of his neck behind his suit's jacket collar. Sounding humbled, he then says:

"…..It was nothing, really. I needed that anyways - and now I have an idea of what kind of person I'm going to be in the future. I don't know why but….seeing that felt humbling to me. Almost necessary, like divi-"

"Like divine intervention?"

>Doctor says, inquisitively.

>Mosaic nods slowly as he replies:

"Yeah, more or less. It felt like I was peering into a window to my future, as you said. Whether that changes or not, I can't help but feel that it was real. Meaningful to me in a way. In a way that I can't explain….."

>Walking over to place his gloved hand on Mosaic's jacket shoulder, Doctor then says:

"Hey, you found peace with yourself - at least a little bit. That's absolutely something to be proud of, Aiden. Never forget that."

>Nodding, Mosaic then states:

"….Right. Well, thank you."

>Now looking around, Aiden then says:

"Huh…Accounting for the Axiom's time dilation, I'd say I've spent around…..20 minutes since leaving Orion's house? Give or take?"

>Nodding, Isaac then replies:

"That's about right, yes. Do you feel that you still need to see him right now?"

>Shaking his head, Aiden then states:

"No. I still need some time. Besides, I've been doing a good job here so far. So I'd rather stay here now - at least for another hour in real time."

>Nodding, Doctor then says:

"Alright then, Aiden. I'll get you started on your reading."

Event 04/27/23 (Thu) 05:36:31 No.1581

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>>1580
>Snapping his fingers, Doctor then watches as a series of tomes quickly fly over to Mosaic - hovering around him rapidly in circles for a moment, before forming a pile of around a dozen tomes in his arms.

"The Informational and Transformative Dynamics of Magic - a Primer for basic magical study. The Thaumians had a rudimentary understanding of magic, but you've mastered the fundamentals intuitively."

>Crossing his arms behind his back, Doctor then continues speaking:

"So I'd say it's only fair that you learn how to advance your studies towards true mastery of the mystic arts - at least towards your level of casting prowess. Besides…."

>The Sorcerer Supreme then manifests a blue and red present box with a certain blue and red tome inside of it. Hovering it over to Mosaic's position, he then states:

"A late birthday present from me. It'll be there for you to open once you get back home. For now, you can focus on the basic tomes in front of you - but that's a special gift, to show you how much of a good friend you've been so far."

>Doctor then nods at Mosaic as he then walks towards the living room - taking a seat at one of the couches. Opposite from Doctor's couch, he then gestures for Mosaic to sit across from him with a nudge of his mask.

>Once Mosaic has done so - the tomes begin automatically shifting their position around - hovering in place. As Mosaic picks the first tome and opens it, he then starts reading - as the remainder of the tomes float back down to the table in front of him. His blue and red present box also hovers down beside him, with a notable tome nestled inside.

>Feeling curious and taking a look inside, Mosaic's eyes widen behind his mask as he says:

"Is that-"

"Yes. A perfect replica of it, but yes."

"Does it-"

"Only reveals the information that you can access on a need-to-know basis. However, it's still far more than enough to help you practice your spell casting. For now though, the basic tomes as I mentioned before."

>Nodding, Mosaic then states:

"Here goes nothing then."

>Mosaic then flips open the hardcover of the tome, and begins reading the first pages diligently. His superhuman intuition and hyper-intelligence aid him in rapidly understanding the fundamentals, as he flips the next page.

>Across from Mosaic on the other side of the table, Doctor watches on in genuine interest - analyzing Mosaic's rapid rate of information gathering and processing.

{"Fascinating. He is finally starting to tap into his true nature as 'Power' itself. The capacity to do anything truly is astonishing….."}

>Doctor then snaps his fingers as his signature Tome of Thoth appears before him. Picking up the book and holding it with one hand again, the Sorcerer Supreme then continues reading - as Mosaic does so as well.

>The two friends then continue reading for hours on end, now enjoying the company of the Axiom itself as they continue to obtain knowledge.

[The End]