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"How do you get from one place to the other so quickly?"

An annoying question to hear while enjoying my coffee, but it is one I do get fairly often. Luckily AI am at home, so I don't have to worry about people being concerned about the 'crazy man talking as if magic is real'.

"Magic. When Mother was raiding me, she understood that because I was a child of hers, I would have innate magical capabilities. She also understood that it would irrevocably affect the world, so she got Melin to teach me about magic and to find a way for me to use it without severely affecting others." I explain, my mind drifting back to those simpler times over a thousand years ago.

"Hang on. I thought you just used a teleportation device." My troubleshooter asked, her voice in my ear.

"In a manner of speaking, I do. Magic comes from a level of understanding that humans are not capable of, in their current state. When I need to travel a vast distance quickly, I go through a door, or portal, as I view them. For me, portals are openings through which you travel from one place to another. You go through the door in the hallway and enter the door of the kitchen. I view those doors as portals and am able to connect with every door on the planet. Makes travelling around highly efficient."

"Sounds incredible, but why can't we do that? Us humans." The inevitable follow-up question.

"Here's the thing. Magic is real, it is not like the magic seen in movies, TV shows or books. Magic helps people shape their perception of reality. When you answer the question "How do you describe your ideal partner?" that question alters how view the world. You will be more attracted to a person that fits those ideals. Even if there would be a better match with someone who doesn't fit those physical characteristics. You shape how you see the world. Magic is just that principle, understood on a fundamental level that humans are not ready for. Because I deeply understand that Magic is real, and how it affects the world, I am able to tap into that."

"But why can't we do that?"

"Fear and doubt. If human was to ever get over their xenophobia, racism, sexism, religion. Any mentality that divides 'us and them' makes it hard to for humanity to tap into magic, because of the fears and doubts that are paired with those negative traits. And as horrible as it sounds. I am glad of this fact. Consider the world as it is now, and throw magic into that maelstrom. Racists who can wield magic, homophobes who can use magic. False believers in gods who can use magic. Politicians with magic." I pause as I physically shudder at that horrifying thought.

"But because of your fears and doubts, you cannot wield magic. Which is not a bad thing. When I send my people into warzones to evacuate civilians, they are able to navigate the portal labyrinth. And as long as they focus on their task, they will not get lost. Imagine what it would be like navigating a labyrinth of doors, then discovering you are lost."

"Maybe us using magic is not such a great idea." My troubleshooter notes quietly.

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Do you mean religiophobia or was it actually meant to say religion?

Religion. Considering how each religion believes it is the correct one, it is rather divisive, is it not?

There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion. As long as you don’t force it on others or shame them for having different ones, I think it’s alright.

You are correct. Though I have had people seem genuinely confused or surprised when they find out I am not religious.

Atheism is kinda the default “religion”, though. It shouldn’t really be that shocking.