The Premonition Mirror

Whenever danger approached, he felt an unmistakable sense of urgency, a natural ability he had possessed since birth. For example, when he was five years old, he inexplicably felt unwell and refused to go to kindergarten that day, crying and throwing a tantrum. As a result, he missed the day when a fire broke out at the kindergarten, claiming the lives of over 20 children. At the age of twelve, during a physical education class, he experienced an indescribable anxiety that led him to skip class. Later, during a combined sports event at the gym, a basketball stand suddenly collapsed, killing a classmate from his school. He was supposed to be in that very spot.

Such incidents happened numerous times. If it weren't for this hidden sense of urgency, he might not have survived several near-death experiences. While most people would find such an ability a source of happiness, he couldn't derive any joy from it. The moment he became aware of this peculiar skill, a deep-rooted fear began to take hold. It felt as though some impending risk was gradually closing in on him. As time passed, this fear intensified. It was as if a different kind of danger, akin to a patient predator, was slowly advancing, edging closer until, at some point, it would pounce and consume him.

This constant fear haunted him, making him believe he was on the brink of insanity. So, when he discovered that there was a family heirloom, a mirror, capable of showing a glimpse of his own death ten seconds in advance, he decided to use it. Today happened to be his 20th birthday. "I'm truly sorry," he mumbled to his mother as he gazed into the murky glass.

Her warnings had been relentless, insisting that there was something sealed within the mirror, something forbidden to look at. She spoke of terrifying consequences. What could be scarier than knowing that impending danger was near yet being clueless about the risks involved? Ignoring the ornate yellow talisman on the mirror, he was overwhelmed by panic. The mirror's clear surface revealed his trembling hands and the sharp acceleration of his breath.

Without any regard for the sacred symbols on the protective talisman, he tore it off violently and peered into the mirror. Slowly, the mirror displayed an interface, and he was holding a mirror in his hands, his face full of anticipation. His blood turned icy, and the air seemed to thin. He could hear his mother's lament: "The old man warned... This mirror... was not meant to be seen..."