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Chapter 8 - Chapter 7 The permanent effect is essentially the eternal creation of something from nothing

Temporary Amplification: The effect is more potent but reverts after a set period. Because it is temporary, the "cost-performance" is much better, allowing for rapid use.

The reason I nearly died twice in such a short time was simply that I hadn't learned how to differentiate between these two modes.

Even with that knowledge, my Quirk is terrifying. The permanent effect is essentially the eternal creation of something from nothing. It is not an ability a single human should wield. It was the permanent mode I used to increase my midi-chlorian count—a feat that even the Republic couldn't achieve through artificial means. To think a single individual can do this with their bare hands is madness. If the Sith ever found out, they would undoubtedly keep me as a lab rat for the rest of my life.

Whether he senses the galactic implications or is simply worried about this world's dangers, my father's overprotectiveness has shifted into high gear. I am not allowed to leave the house alone, even within our own yard. Given my age and the myriad of threats in this society, I accept this. I make sure to have someone with me whenever I train.

...However, this makes it impossible to hide the Force. Since I am usually with my parents, they've seen it, leading them to believe I have two separate Quirks.

Explaining the truth was an ordeal. I tried to explain that the Force is a technique, a spiritual discipline, but naturally, they didn't believe me. It's understandable; I haven't seen another Force-sensitive on this planet, and in this world, any extraordinary power is categorized as a Quirk without exception.

The problem is that being a "Multi-Quirk user" makes me a high-value anomaly. To keep things simple, we've officially stated that my Quirk allows me to "temporarily unlock latent psychic abilities." Even by this planet's standards, it's still considered "outside the norm."

Perhaps because of this, talk of "grade-skipping" has already surfaced. The goal is to get me a Hero License as early as possible so I can "contribute to society" with my powerful Quirk.

I suspect that's just the PR version. The official who came to explain it seemed sincere, but I can read between the lines. The Hero Public Safety Commission and the government simply want to put a leash on me. It's the usual adult maneuvering.

My parents seem to have seen through this as well; neither of them is keen on the idea. They want me to have a normal childhood, to grow up with friends my own age, and to choose my own path when I'm ready.

But honestly? For someone who wants to get back to being a Jedi as soon as possible, skipping ahead is quite convenient. I can already breeze through primary education; the idea of sitting through years of things I already know sounds soul-crushing. If I can skip the line, I'd prefer to.

Regardless of whether I accept or decline, the actual move is at least a year away. For now, I am in the stage of preparing for the future.

And so, today, as I was meditating with my father (he isn't Force-sensitive, he's just doing it for the "Zen" of it), I felt a familiar presence in the Force behind me. I turned around.

There, dressed in familiar robes, was a familiar face. He was semi-transparent, but there was no mistaking him. A peer I had trained with. A friend who shared my hobbies. And, above all, the man who had struck me down.

Anakin Skywalker was standing there.

"...Anakin...?" I whispered.

"Is that... Avtus...?" he replied.

He actually answered. We could recognize each other. My father asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?" so it seems he can't see him. Only I can. Is this a manifestation of the Force's will?

My awe lasted all of two seconds before Anakin started laughing. It wasn't just a chuckle; he was doubling over, howling with laughter.

"Wh-What happened to you, Avtus?! Hahaha! You've become... incredibly cute! How did you end up like this?!"

"D-Don't laugh! It's not like I chose this!" I snapped back in Galactic Basic.

"S-Stop, Avtus! Hearing those words coming out of that face is too much! Even an ion torpedo is more subtle than you! I'm going to die of laughter—wait, I'm already dead!"

"Is it really that funny?!"

I argued back in the language I hadn't used in years, but I was fuming. I didn't see what was so hilarious. I suppose I used to be a massive, stern-looking man, but still...

Wait. I remember now. When I was first assigned to the Jedi Archives, he had laughed then, too, calling my appearance a "visual fraud" compared to my job. I'm starting to get annoyed. It's a long-awaited reunion; maybe I should spar with him like the old days. Though, as a ghost, I doubt I could lay a finger on him.

"Whoops! Sorry, but with your current level in the Force, you couldn't even give me an itch. You've gotten soft, Avtus."

"Ngh... It can't be helped. For some reason, I was reborn without a natural connection. I only managed to reconnect a year ago."

"...Okay. I have no idea what's going on, but it sounds like something strange has happened to you. Want to tell me about it?"

"I would, but..."

I paused and looked to the side. My father was staring at me with profound concern—specifically, the kind of look one gives a person who has suffered a mental break.

"...If I keep this up, I'm going to be committed to a psychiatric ward. I'm going to try and make you visible for a moment. Please introduce yourself."

"...I have a lot of questions, but first: I don't speak the language of this planet."

"..."

I buried my face in my hands.

Star Wars Glossary #2: The Clone Wars

A pan-galactic conflict occurring between Episodes II and III. It takes its name from the Grand Army of the Republic, which was composed entirely of clones. The war was fought between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems (the Separatists). Jedi served as Generals in the Republic army, leading to many legendary stories—many of which were chronicled in the The Clone Wars animated series. (Highly recommended viewing!)

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