Years passed, and uhe old man's tutege, Mirage Carl grew from a ragged street ur into a skilled magi. The old man taught him everything—sleight of hand, misdire, illusions, and most importantly, how to trol his strange power.

  "Remember," the old man would say, his voice ster gentle, "your power only works when no one believes your lies. It's a delicate bance—use it wisely."

  Mirage Carl traiirelessly, learning to weave lies into his tricks, making the impossible seem ordinary. He performed on street ers, in crowded taverns, and even on grand stages, each time refining his craft. And as he grew, so did his power.But one day, the old man approached him, his expression thoughtful.

  "You've learned all you from me. It's time for you to go out into the world and gain experien your own."

  Mirage Carl's heart sank, but he k was true. He bowed deeply, his voice steady despite the emotion in his chest. "Thank you... for everything."The old man smiled, his eyes shimmering with pride.

  "You've bee a fine magi, Carl. Now go, ahe world see your performance."

  With a flourish, Mirage Carl performed his signature disappearing act, stepping into a wooden box and closing the door behind him. When the box opened, he was gone, vanished without a trace. The old man chuckled, shaking his head.

  "Quite the showman." Theurned and walked away, his silhouette fading into the distance.

  But when Mirage Carl stepped out of the box, he wasn't on a familiar stage. Instead, he found himself in a dense forest, the air thick with a strange, magical energy. fused, he looked around, his seingling.

  "What... where am I?"He wahrough the forest, the trees whispering in the wind, their branches swaying as if alive. Suddenly, a rustling sound caught his attention, followed by a low growl. He turo find a creature staring at him—its eyes glowing with hunger, its fangs bared.

  "A human... how delicious," the youkai hissed, its body coiled like a predator ready to strike.Mirage Carl's heart raced, but he forced himself to remain calm. He reached into his coat, pulling out a deck of cards. He held one up, his voice steady.

  "This... is a sword."

  The youkai burst out ughing. "A sword? That's just a card! Are you mad?"But the moment the youkai scoffed, the card shimmered, its edges glowing before transf into a gleaming sword. Mirage Carl grinned, his eyes fshing with fidenbsp;

  "You shouldn't have doubted me."With a swift motion, he charged, the sword fshing as he struck. The youkai howled in pain, stumbling back before turning and fleeing into the forest.Mirage Carl stood there, the sword still gleaming in his hand. He looked down, a smirk pying at his lips.

  "Looks like the show's just getting started..."And with that, his adventure in Gensokyo began.