When you look at the words 'illusion' and 'reality', how does one define the difference between the two? Generally, people define illusions as a trick, a deceit, or a lie. It is something false with no real substance behind it. Reality, therefore, must surely be something that can be confirmed from all perspectives.
Such foolish concepts, no?
Reality and illusion, in truth, are separated only by the flawed perception of those that view them. Reality can become illusion from another angle and vice-versa. The inevitable conclusion to this is that whatever we view, it is reality only so long as we believe it is so. So if we believe that the world around us is an illusion, then it is so. Once we think of something as an illusion, then naturally, we seek to find 'a reality' behind it.
Effectively, everything is and isn't at the same time. It is all about perception. The perception of concepts.
Yes, that is right, it's all about perception. Such is the mechaninc behind the second page of Meruin's Grimoire.
The short mage's eyes shot upwards, looking at the moon lying beneath the sun.
The sky turned dark with night, and where the bright sun of the afternoon was, a blurry silver moon now stood. Everything and everyone's outlines blurred. Spells faded, strength began to fade. Everything that was real has now become an illusion. Even your powers were now illusions. None of you held any meaning to the world anymore.
None of you can truly do anything permanent. The only reality here was Meruin, who saw all of you as an illusion. She could not touch you, you could not touch her or each other. When your spells ended and when you were released, even that would mean nothing. Once Meruin stopped seeing you as an illusion, you would become the reality she wanted you percieve.
Grimoire of Meruin, Second Spell: Hazy Moon
Meruin approached Deus and Cornelia, the former who was chained while the latter was still trapped in an illusion (which was an illusion within itself). The short mage had a concerned look on her face.
"Deus . . . I apologize, but so long as I am here, you will do no such thing. If . . . you should ever attempt to do so again, I will . . ." Meruin bit her lip, thinking of a way to stop him from doing so, without being unfair to Deus. She could see clearly that there was history between them, but there was no giving leeway for murder.
"If you ever attempt this again, I will take Cornelia under my wing. I will protect her and train her, and make her strong. Strong to the point where you will never be able to defeat her. I am capable of this, and I swear I will do it if you force me to."
That was not a request or even a statement. That was an
ultimatum.