Mia fled the town, her tears blurring her vision as she ran. Overwhelmed by the heartbreaking events she had witnessed, she allowed her emotions to guide her, suppressing any rational thoughts that tried to surface. Onyx, her loyal companion, ran as Mia directed and passed through a small river. In a moment of clarity, Mia realized that she needed a safe place to seek shelter. “Onyx, go in the direction of the big trees. It will be safer there.” Mia said while pointing in the direction she knew there was an area with giant trees.
As they reached a suitable spot, Onyx halted and gently lowered Mia to the ground. Mia, now standing on her own, noticed the injuries that Onyx had sustained during the recent battle. Determined to help her companion, she began searching for healing herbs. Fortunately, she discovered some on the ground and turned them into a paste to treat Onyx's wounds, bringing him some relief.
Seeking solace, Mia and Onyx settled at the base of a massive tree in the area. As Mia's emotions overwhelmed her, she began to cry uncontrollably. Onyx tried his best to console her, offering his silent support. Unable to articulate her thoughts, Mia's mind was in turmoil, torn between the love she felt for her family and the fear she sensed they had of her. Her rational side, suppressed by the intensity of her emotions, struggled to find a voice.
She always heard that monsters were the worst thing in the world. She hated when people looked at Onyx like he was one. And now she was in the same position and it was horrible. Even being seen as a criminal was lighter than the stares people gave to monsters.
In an attempt to find comfort, Mia started to convince herself that leaving her family was the right decision. She believed they feared and hated her because of her uncontrollable strength, and the only way to win their love back was to become stronger. She imagined herself punishing those who would hurt her family, leaving no room for fear or doubt. This delusion took hold of her, providing a distorted sense of purpose.
Exhausted, Mia eventually found respite and rested for a few hours. During this time, she sensed people approaching and used her earth manipulation abilities to conceal herself and Onyx. Fueled by her irrational thoughts, Mia mistakenly believed that these people were after her, seeking to punish her for her lack of control. She also became convinced that others wanted to steal Onyx from her. With these mistaken ideas in mind, she resolved to avoid any contact, hiding herself and training in isolation.
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Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as Mia honed her survival skills in the wilderness. She knew what plants were edible and where to find them. Any creatures or monsters that crossed her path became targets for testing her abilities. With her mana manipulation, she could create and control water, ensuring her hydration and cleanliness. She could also fashion shelter whenever needed, blending it seamlessly into the surroundings to avoid detection.
As time went on, Mia unconsciously cultivated her power while training to control it. Although she didn't actively pursue cultivation, her determination to master her abilities slowly propelled her forward. She believed her strength was merely a reflection of her normal self, unaware of the rapid progression she was experiencing.
Occasionally, Mia encountered people in the wilderness, but she swiftly fled, fearing their judgment and rejection. Despite the passing months, her dress miraculously remained unscathed, thanks to her magic and Onyx's protective presence. Mia allowed nothing to reach her without her permission, keeping herself and her belongings intact.
However, her mental state deteriorated without human contact. Onyx, with his limited ability to communicate, provided some solace, but Mia's habit of talking to herself became more prevalent. She craved interaction, even if it meant speaking to her own reflection. Her mind was slowly succumbing to the isolation. It was not uncommon for her to explain what she was doing or was planning to do to herself.
Months passed, and Mia's frustration grew. Her strength remained uncontrollable, preventing her from even walking on her own, as her steps created small craters in the ground. Unbeknownst to her, her cultivation had surged to Rank 10, resulting in her inability to harness her power effectively due to the rapid advancement through the ranks. She began relying on her newfound psychic abilities to manipulate objects without causing damage.
To compound her troubles, Mia started sensing a constant message in her head, though she couldn't discern its content. The incessant presence drained her focus, leaving her with less capacity to control her strength.
One day, driven by an overwhelming compulsion, Mia felt compelled to return to her hometown. An icy chill ran through her and Onyx as they approached, indicating that something terrible was unfolding. Despite the resentment and fear she sensed from her family, Mia knew she had to ensure their safety. She clung to the hope that one day, with control over her powers, they would love her again.