“Janus, you cannot continue on like this any longer; your dreams are idiotic and can only lead to sufferring!”

My eyes, flowing with streams of blood, looked towards the man to my right.

What a pain. Can one not do as he pleases without the judgement of others?

“Worry not, Mars. I know what I am doing.”

“Know what you’re doing? Impertinent fool, you may be one of the oldest amongst us, but you cannot see the consequences that are to follow your selfishness.”

Hoh…

Everyone else believes that I am crazy, that I am insane, that I am incapable of seeing the results of my actions. They are the ones that are truly blind; for all that I desire is something simple:

To have some more fun.

Why are we all so stuck in our old ways? Why must we hole up and hide ourselves from the rest of the world?

We are the greatest, we have reached the pinnacle of existence!

Then why should we cover our greatness and cower in fear of repercussions from the universe?

Can the others not see?

I am bringing meaning back into our lives.

I am bringing purpose back into our existence.

I am bringing excitement back into our world.

Why must we fear that which is fun?

Hohoho…

Unfortunately for you, Mars, my dream is almost fulfilled.

You cannot stop me now; I have already won.

Hohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohohoho!

***

*Huff, huff, huff…*

Damn, what a strange dream.

My back is drenched in sweat and my palms are clammy.

Also, why is there a scantily clad female lying beside me? Did I do something terrible unconsciously?

Wait, no. I remember now, it’s just Amelia and renting a single room was far cheaper than renting two.

*Sigh~*

Being able to live life like this is so strange.

What has it been, one day now?

I haven’t died for an entire day.

…

Water, where is this water coming from?

Ah, they’re from my eyes. I’m crying.

Are they tears of sadness? Are they tears of depression?

No, these… these are tears of joy.

I want to shout, I want to yell, I want to exclaim:

‘I HAVE MADE IT!’

But, that would not be proper for it is early in the morning and most are not awake yet.

Still these tears of mine flow in the place of my voice that wishes to proclaim to the world my success in survival.

It would truly be a shame if I were to suddenly be struck dead at this mo-

*Tumble, tumble~*

Time freeze!

I am not dying here. I refuse!

What’s attacking me?

…

Oh, thank the heavens that it was only Amelia rolling over and pulling the covers to her side of the bed.

I should stop setting red flags for myself.

Time release.

My heart is beating out of my chest.

Breathe, breathe normally, my body.

Calm yourself, and clear your mind, me.

Phew… back to normal.

I have been thinking lately, why is it that I am able to freeze time in my mind?

The more I think about it, the less I believe it to be normal.

It seems so natural to use and only causes minimal stress to my mind.

Why is it that I am able to stop the movement of time and be capable of thought in a motionless universe?

With every question that I ponder, my mind grows more confused and strays even farther away from a state of understanding. I don’t want to give room for another personality of mine to grow in strength, so I believe I’ll end my train of thought here.

Besides, I think now is a good time to get up and begin a basic exercise routine. There’s no greater time than the present to put in effort and strengthen the body, I say.

Let’s start with the basics… I think I remember in my past that someone was capable of attaining a superhuman-like state from doing push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and running laps everyday.

Push-ups, let’s go!

One!

Two…!

Thre…

Huu… okay, I think that’s my limit. Definitely have to work on arm strength some more.

Next, sit-ups.

…

How the hell does anybody do these?

Is it actually possible to lift your back and touch your knees with your hands behind your neck?

Skip.

Okay, so now let’s try squats.

These are kinda easy I guess… but kinda boring at the same time. Am I doing this right?

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Swiftly turning my head towards the awakening elf girl, I realize how ridiculous I must look from her perspective on the bed.

“You training to be a whore in a brothel or something?”

“What? No! I’m just… er, exercising.”

Amelia just stares at me silently for a few seconds.

“Is choosing to exercise so strange? It’s not like you can gain muscle while not doing anythi-”

“Yeah you can.”

Huh?

“All you have to do is find a mage who can cast vibration or gravity magic and get them to apply it to your body.”

Oh… I guess I should have known that magic would be the answer.

Question though, is it really simple to find a vibration or gravity mage?

“And where would I find someone like that?”

“You’re staring right fucking at her.”

Ah.

“…can I get you to do that then?”

A devilish grin spreads across Amelia’s face.

Why do I feel like that I’ve made a major mistake?

“With pleasure.”

Amelia lightly steps out of the bed and begins walking towards me in her somewhat provocative attire.

I can almost see her ti…

Hey, five-year-old me. I know I let you out once and you did some good shit to get us here, but really I don’t think your comments are necessary right now.

“Are you ready?”

“I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Circling around to my back, Amelia aligns her palm to my spine and applies gentle pressure.

*Vrrrrrr~*

A set of vibrations are sending tingles down my spine.

Eugh, does this sure feel weird.

“This is where the fun really begins. Are you sure you’re prepared?”

“As I said, I’m as ready as I’ll ever-”

*VRRRRRRR!*

“AARARRASGHVfvawhadsuarbo…”

Everything… is going black… again.