A Warning from the Future

My name is... it doesn't matter, you can call me Nightfall. I grew up in a world full of wonders and discoveries. The story I'm about to tell you begins a few years ago when humanity managed to gain access to a new world, the world of superpowers, through an incredible mineral found on the moon.

It all started when the space exploration agency Odyssey announced the discovery of a mysterious mineral formation on the surface of the moon. The scientists at Odyssey named it the "Stone of Eternal Power" and managed to unlock its incredible properties.

This stone, acquired by the scientific team of Odyssey, was found to provide exceptional superpowers to those who came into contact with it. Tests and research showed that the stone could enhance the strength, speed, and knowledge of its holder to unimaginable levels, granting each person the superpower they had dreamed of. Thus, a war broke out to claim control over the Stone of Eternal Power. After many years of war, due to the rapid decline in the human population, reaching the brink of extinction, the people decided to take control by allowing everyone to touch the Stone of Eternal Power. In this way, we all gained superpowers. In a world where everyone possessed superpowers, each person had the ability to use their powers to create the world they desired. Humans became colossal, lightning-fast, invincible beings and accomplished incredible feats. Life in the world of superpowers became simultaneously incredible and terrifying as people lost their connection to nature, humanity, values, and solidarity.

Now everyone is fighting amongst themselves for the position of the most powerful mage. I have forgotten what it's like to live in a peaceful world and coexist with other people. Everyone here is an enemy. There are no allies. No one wants your well-being. Everyone wants to acquire the title of the most powerful being on Earth. I will not allow anyone to take that position. This position is meant for me, and I will annihilate anyone who stands in my way. I saw those I love die, most of them at my own hands. Betrayal is not forgiven, even if it comes from your own blood. They wanted to kill me first because they knew I was different. I told them about the unique abilities I acquired. After all, I was the first to touch the stone. I can absorb the power of mages through the shadow granted by the moon. That's how I can use their own power against them. They said, "With such great power, we must eliminate him." My own family ambushed me along with 20 other mages. I managed to escape by absorbing the ability of one of them to become invisible. I hid and watched them. A great battle erupted among them. 18 out of the 20 fell dead. My family managed to escape, but I was already waiting for them at home. They thought I was weak and incapable of killing them, especially since they were my own family. But love in this world is one of the greatest weaknesses. I unleashed my fury upon them, killing each member of my family with their own unique magic. There is no mercy in this world, no innocence. We are all enemies. The only thing that exists is bloodshed, despair, and anger.

I have another secret: I can hear a celestial voice warning me of the dangers. It's like the moon speaking to me with a melodic female voice, controlling every step I take. I feel like a living marionette, unable to break free from my strings. She has control, Luna is her name. I hate her and yet she captivates me so deeply. I must head north to find the Shadowcaster, a mage who possesses the power to control and create shadows. I go with the only hope that he can help me learn to control my own power. Perhaps I go because I want to believe in the worthiness of people once again.

I will go prepared, and I don't trust him, just like anyone else. I simply need him at this moment. Perhaps we can make an agreement to survive both of us longer. Otherwise, this decision of mine may prove fatal for one of us. But I'm no longer afraid, I will survive, I will take care of it myself. Besides, I have Luna by my side to guide me. I start heading north through the Forest of Enchantments. I know that the forest is safe during the day, but as soon as the moon rises, I become stronger. There may be other mages in the morning. I will go at night when most of them are hiding or hunting, so the only enemy I will have to face is the forest itself. It's dawn; I need to find shelter to rest and have a clear mind. The forest can drive you insane at night."

As Nightfall proceeds a little further, he encounters a river with crystal-clear waters. Upon reaching the riverbank, he spots a plethora of colorful flowers blooming around the river. The sense of freshness and the fragrance of the flowers fill the air.

The sun shines high in the sky, casting its light upon the crystalline waters of the river and creating sparkling reflections on its surface. Realizing that this idyllic location offers a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation, he dips his feet into the crystal-clear waters. Suddenly, he hears the voice once again, warning him that this dreamlike area is not safe. Then, he notices a figure perched on a rock in the middle of the river. In an instant, a powerful gust of wind erupts, hurling Shadowfall into the river and creating a whirlpool of water.

However, Nightfall, utilizing his combat techniques and strength, manages to embrace the rock on which the figure stands and remains steadfast. He clenches his teeth and fights against the force of the river, determined not to be swept away. As he lifts his gaze, he realizes that the figure is another person who wields their powers with the intention of dominance. The figure begins pressing down on Nightfall's hands, attempting to make him fall into the river and drown. "Grab his leg," the voice says. Immediately, Nightfall seizes the figure by the leg and hurls them into the river. The mage begins to fear and tries to swim away. In that moment, Nightfall grabs him, submerges his head into the water, and lets him drown, saying, "Fear is weakness, your fear killed you. Only the strongest survive, and that's me, not you." Just before dying, the mage manages to stab Nightfall in the leg with a knife. Helpless against the waves, Nightfall starts sinking and drowning. His powers abandon him, and moments before closing his eyes, he sees a flash and hears the same angelic voice saying, "Do not fear, I will protect you." Suddenly, everything goes dark.

Upon opening his eyes once again, Nightfall finds himself safe outside the river. The wound has healed, but the mage's knife lies beside him. It is dark, so he must embark towards the Forest of Encounters. As he proceeds, he begins to realize that Luna is probably not just a figment of his imagination.