"The method to make mana is... something I don't know."
Everyone had hints of disappointment in their eyes as they went back to their places. I, on the other hand, was starting to wonder if those crystals over there could make someone insane. They expect me to get this mana thing down easily without any idea of how to do it. They even bet a card on it! (I still don't know if that's actually a thing. Maybe it's a magic card or something? I ought to borrow it from Games one day and see if it will explode.)
Ignoring my stunned expression, Prophecy says, "So all you need to do is imagine a portal and I am sure it will work." I calm down a little. Maybe this isn't so bad.
After some thought, she adds, "After a thousand tries. So better start now!"
Okay, she is definitely crazy.
"I-I don't even know what a portal is supposed to look like."
"Well isn't that bad luck. Well, good luck imagining then." And she has the audacity to say it cheerfully. Cheerfully! And she's supposed to be their leader. The others are probably worse.
I looked to the side to see Atiri join in a game that looked similar to poker. But instead of money, they were using the crystals. First of all, they are everywhere, why would you play a game just to win them. And who would even want them? Oh, right, the insane people I am surrounded by want them. If I have to deal with them forever this is going to be a long eternity. And Atiri just won 5 more pieces. Guess you have to be insane to lead insane people.
But let's think of that latter. Now it's time to concentrate on the portal. So I need to imagine. A big whirl of dark colors that leads to the pavilion they described to me. Yes. Perfect. It looks cloudy from this side but when you step through you can clearly see the pavilion. It's white and looks quite old with vines running along the pillars. There is a small pond next to it. Inside is a table. Hand-carved with delicate designs. It's made of marvel. The whole pavilion is too. And sitting at the table is a person.
He has short white hair. His right arm, which is covered in bandages, is holding a teacup. Noticing my presence, he looks at me and smiles, showing off his razor-sharp teeth. But it was a kind and welcoming smile.
"Stone tea?" He asked, holding up a cup that was literally full of rocks and tea. Well, he seems like an interesting character.