Long ago, nearly 14752 years to the day, there was a prophecy.

  The prophecy of the backwards god.

  It spoke of a god that was backwards to godly ideals, to an extent that the evil gods could not even reach.

  False prophecies were common in that time, so besides being noted in a vast book of forgotten prophecies, no one remembers.

  On a sunny afternoon day, in the city of Maveria, there is a wise old sage.

  They have seen many things, the downfalls of kingdoms, the birth of new legends, and much, much more.

  On this day, they meet the backwards god.

  As I look into the room beyond the doorway, I see a gray room with brown objects, and the occasional beige.

  Maybe trying to describe the colors in a room is not a good idea when you can’t see.

  Nobody seems to have opened the door, as I’m sure I would have heard footsteps. Unless they are hiding behind the door.

  As I open the door more, I quickly peer behind and find no one.

  How did they get this door open?

  Is it knock activated? Is it magic?

  Very interesting idea, as this does seem to be a medieval style fantasy world so far.

  As I continue into the room, I see the room light up, illuminating a series of arrows pointing towards a room.

  This feels like a quest or tutorial in a game.

  Am I somehow suddenly in a game?

  Is the wisest person in a game?

  They are probably not the wisest, just a very wise person, the wisest might be a god who wants to kill me.

  Up the stairs I guess.

  There are a few paintings on the walls, and these stairs have no railing.

  What a safety hazard!

  Although, if this person is magic like I suspect, they can probably fly. It wouldn’t be much of a problem for them.

  As I near a door at the top of the stairs, It opens up into a room with a person in a hooded cloak.

  As I get closer to them, they take off their hood, revealing an overpping mass of faces going from one to another in quick succession.

  Every face smiles and they say, “Isn’t it a bit disturbing to find yourself face to face with your self?”

  What?

  I stare at them and they continue with their confusing talk, “I have a spell that mirrors the observer’s appearance.”

  Huh?

  I ask, “are you sure? I don’t see anything but a bunch of faces, too many actually.”

  They frown, and suddenly they turn into a normal person, specifically an elf.

  At least they don’t turn into a monstrosity.

  They start to walk towards me to examine me, and then after getting a good look, walk towards a tea set and poor one gss.

  “Sit” they say as they gesture at a chair that slides out of the darkness.

  I sit as they ask, “who are you to have so many faces?”

  How do they know? Did their spell work and I saw all of my faces on my different bodies?

  I just answer, “someone who needs wisdom.”

  They respond, “I will give all that I can offer in wisdom” as they smile once again.

  How do I ask for what I want?

  What even do I want?

  To be a good person? To be able to make good decisions?

  Maybe I should just state my problem, but in a somewhat vague way. They might view a god not needing wisdom.

  “I have too much power, but I don’t know what to do with it. How do I remain responsible?”

  They look into my eyes with theirs, and state, “that is not enough for me to give specific advice, but I might be able to help. Give me a moment.”

  They sip their tea, leaving a silence in the room, but it isn’t too terrible. I wonder why they didn’t offer me tea? Maybe because few animals can process caffeine the way humans do? But do elves have the same resistance?

  Perhaps the tea is magic and dangerous for most?

  Suddenly, they speak while I’m distracted with my questions about tea, “I think, your problem may be that you came into power too fast. People who get power fast, never have the chance to learn valuable lessons like humility, loss, the inevitability of death, etc.”

  Hmm… maybe, but how does this help?

  Should I find how to learn these lessons?

  I could attempt to erase my memory, but I feel like I will just unlearn anything, I need to be the most present I can.

  Besides, the little me can serve to test that learning method.

  Maybe the wise person has more to say?

  I ask, “do you have anymore advice?”

  They answer, “given your want to remain responsible, I get the sense you have less holding you back. You might have had strict rules holding you back, but they don’t quite apply now maybe? You need something to hold you back. Rules perhaps you set, or someone else.”

  Rules?

  Beyond what I’ve already set, I can’t think of much.

  Much to think about.

  I need some time to ruminate, but I should see if they have anything else, “do you have any more advice?”

  They answer “no, you may leave. Although I am curious about someone like you, your time would likely be better spent elsewhere.”

  How much do they know?

  I stand up from my chair, stretching despite the short conversation, and walk out.

  The walk out is simir to the walk up, but much darker.

  I stay closer to the wall this time, despite my inability to be hurt.

  Upon reaching the bottom floor, I leave out the front door onto the street.

  Threelivestoken