As the plane reached cruising altitude, Delia, feeling the tension in the air, decided it was time to act. She focused her thoughts on creating a complex illusion - as if the plane was engulfed in a violent storm.
"What's going on?!" one of the agents shouted, standing up and grabbing the nearest seat to hold on.
Concentrating on her abilities, Delia created another illusion - a huge ghost plane flying past the windows. It looked real, and even her guards, who knew about her abilities, were confused.
"It's all her! She's creating illusions!" one of the agents shouted, heading towards her.
His voice trembled with fear, but Delia was not going to stop. In that moment, she decided to use her powers to the fullest, and among her illusions appeared a laughing Makoto Shugarami, as if watching his servants fail.
"No, no, it's impossible!" whispered one of the agents, stepping back, as if trying to convince himself of what was happening.
Delia felt the energy filling her, and with each passing moment she became more confident in her actions. She directed her power to an inconspicuous exit at the back of the plane. And while the Convention agents tried to figure out what was happening, Delia stood up and, trying to hide her nervousness, headed for this "exit".
Gathering her strength, she confidently stepped forward, penetrating the illusion she had created. At the same moment, her guards turned around, but Delia was gone. When the illusion dissipated and Delia found herself outside the plane, she took a deep breath, trying to calm the wave of anxiety. Her eyes darted around the waiting room of the Lisbon airport, and she noted that crowds of tourists and locals were approaching her. But among them, Delia felt something else - a feeling that someone was watching her. As if a shadow was following her in this new city.
She headed for passport control. In the line, she felt like this was just the beginning of a long journey. She couldn't stop, not even for a moment. Her gaze slid over the faces, and every time someone lingered on her, her heart sank. Could they really be Convention agents? Or just curious tourists?
After passing through security, she walked out into the main hall of the airport. The huge dome above her seemed like an open sky, reminding her of endless possibilities, but there was anxiety in her heart. Delia decided that she needed to find shelter. She headed for the exit, trying to look natural. Noticing the tourist information center, she approached the counter, pretending to be interested in the local attractions.
"Hello! I was wondering where I could stay for a few days," she asked, trying to sound confident.
The clerk with a friendly smile began telling her about the nearby hotels. Delia nodded, but her thoughts were occupied with something else. She felt someone looking at her. She turned around and noticed a man in a dark coat who seemed to be paying too much attention to her. Her heart pounded in her chest.
"Perhaps you have any recommendations for less crowded places?" she asked, trying to concentrate.
"Of course! There are several small hotels in the historic center," the clerk continued, pointing to the map. "They are quieter than the big hotels."
Delia accepted the map, trying not to show that she was really worried. Word of the search for the Convention in Lisbon could spread quickly, and she knew she had to be careful.
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," she replied, trying to appear casual.
As she walked out of the airport, her attention was drawn again to the man in the coat. He was a little further away now, but Delia could feel his gaze on her. Realizing that she should not linger, she hurried to the exit.
Outside, the fresh air engulfed her. She tried to calm herself and find her way. Delia noticed a taxi waiting by the side of the road and rushed towards it. She got into the backseat and told the driver to take her to one of the hotels on the map, trying to speak calmly even though inside she was raging.
But she still felt like someone was watching her, and she knew she couldn't let herself get caught again. As the taxi turned onto a narrow street and the old buildings rushed past, Delia remembered her powers. They had always been her defense, but now they were her only hope. Taking care of Makoto and the Convention was her goal, and she was going to fight this threat before she was captured again.
As Delia got out of the taxi and headed towards the hotel, her heart was pounding with anticipation. She hoped that she would be able to rest and collect her thoughts. However, as she crossed the threshold of the inn, one face among the patrons caught her attention.
A man with a cold, calculating gaze stood in the far corner of the hall. His formal suit and neatly combed hair indicated a man accustomed to power. Delia felt a chill run down her spine as she realized that he was a representative of the Convention, someone she had not met before.
His eyes, full of disdain, met hers. Delia swallowed, trying to hide her alarm. The man came closer, and she felt his aura suffused with power and menace.
"Well, the famous Delia?" he said with a smirk that did not bode well. "How pleasant to see you in such a restless state."
She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to remain calm. This was a game, and she knew she could not lose.
"I didn't expect to be greeted with such open arms," she replied, trying to sound confident. "You must represent the Convention?"
"Indeed. My name is Bugenhagen. I have been following your progress, and I must say that you have not impressed me," he said dismissively. "Coming from Tokyo to Lisbon, you are only making things more difficult."
Delia felt her anger rise. She had no intention of showing weakness.
"I am simply following my path," she stated. "And if anyone thinks they can control me, they are mistaken."
"Control is our craft, Delia. Your abilities may be of great use to the Convention, but you still don't understand that this is not a game. If you are not controlled, you will become a target for anyone who would use you," he said, leaning closer to add intrigue to his words.
His words hit her head like a blow. Delia thought of Makoto Shugarami, how he was willing to manipulate her. Yes, this stranger was right.
"How do you plan to control me? Threats or blackmail?" she asked sarcastically, trying to hide her fears.
"Let's not make a show of it," he said, chuckling slightly. "You don't understand how dangerous this situation is. We have many ways to make people submit, and you should think twice before continuing your games."
Her instincts began to tell her that he could indeed become a threat. Suddenly, Delia felt her abilities "pulsate" in response to his presence. She concentrated to keep them under control.
"I'm not going to give in," she replied, trying to sound as brave as she could. "I'm not your toy. And I won't let anyone control my destiny.
"You can try," he said, his voice growing more somber. "But remember, Delia, freedom always comes with a price. And as a representative of the Convention, I will not allow you to escape your obligations."
He turned and, as if for the last time, gave her one more look of contempt before heading towards the exit. Delia stood in the hallway, feeling both anger and fear wash over her.
She had made the decision to find allies, those who could help her in her fight against the Convention and Makoto Shugarami. She quickly headed for the stairs, intending to explore the city. A feeling was growing inside her that this battle was just beginning, and she was ready to fight for her freedom.
Delia left the hotel, trying to remain inconspicuous. Her steps were quick and determined, and her emotions were swirling inside. Sliding between people on the streets of Lisbon, she came across a local market. Bustling stalls with colorful fruits, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and the hum of locals created an atmosphere that could distract from her problems.
She walked quickly through the main gates of the market, trying not to show her tension. Seeing the long rows of stalls, she headed to one selling vegetables. Delia stopped at a stall with brightly colored peppers and tomatoes, trying to appear uninterested.
While the seller argued with a customer about the price, Delia sat on the edge of the counter, hiding her face behind a pile of tomatoes. After a few minutes of watching, she noticed someone walking in her direction. It was a man in a short coat, and his gaze was focused on the stalls, but Delia felt that he was secretly watching her.
As the stranger stopped at a nearby stall, Delia was deep in conversation with the vendor and discreetly used her powers - she created a small illusion, causing a puff of smoke to appear next to another stall.
"Hey, what's that?" one of the customers exclaimed, pointing at the smoke.
The man in the coat turned sharply, distracted by the noise, and Delia slipped unnoticed to the side, heading towards the back of the market, where it looked more deserted. Her heart was pounding in her chest, but she moved quickly and quietly.
Walking through the narrow streets, Delia came across an old building surrounded by barbed wire. Rushing in, she quickly opened the door and locked it behind her. Inside was old furniture and boxes piled high with junk. In one of the boxes, she found a few items - old newspapers and an empty bottle. At first, she just wanted to use it as kindling for the fire, but then her gaze fell on one of the newspapers.
On the front page, there was an article about the mysterious disappearance of the ship "Sun Rainbow". This name had great meaning for Delia, and she felt her heart beat faster. Having climbed up with her feet on the old sofa that stood in this dark room, Delia began to read carefully. The article contained information about the alleged crimes related to this ship.
Suddenly, the sound of an opening door was heard, and Delia's heart sank. She stopped reading and quickly hid the newspaper behind her back. Makoto Shugarami himself appeared on the threshold. His confident step and impenetrable expression instantly reminded her of the threat he posed. The room was filled with the sharp smell of his cologne, and he looked like he had come not for a meeting, but for a hunt.
"Delia," he said with a smirk that only hinted at his intentions, "how nice to see you here, in such a secluded place. I always knew you were looking for a place to be alone."
Delia tensed, but tried not to show it. She knew what was on his mind, and she was prepared for him to try to manipulate her emotions.
"What do you want, Shugarami?" she asked, trying to sound confident, although deep down she was afraid.
"I came to offer you a deal," he said, walking into the room and closing the door behind him.
His voice was full of charm, but underneath it there was a cold-blooded threat.
"You do realize that opposing the Convention alone is dangerous, right?"
"I'm not going to cooperate with you," Delia replied, although doubts were already creeping into her mind.
"Let me explain," he said, approaching. "You have a rare ability that can be used to solve many problems. Instead of hiding, you could be part of something bigger. I offer you my help."
"What help?" Delia said, trying not to show her interest.
"Your powers can be a powerful tool in my hands," Makoto replied, throwing his head back with pride. "Together, we can not only uncover the secret of the "Sun Rainbow", but also use it to achieve our goals. You will receive protection from the Convention and the opportunity to realize your potential."
She felt his words penetrate her consciousness, causing some kind of internal conflict. On one hand, he offered protection and the opportunity to uncover the secrets that interested her. On the other hand, she knew that she could not trust him.
"And what price will I have to pay?" Delia asked, feeling her voice trembling with tension.
"Don't jump to conclusions," he said, his eyes glittering like cold stars. "I don't demand anything immediately. But if you agree to cooperate, I guarantee your safety and support. You will have access to all the resources you need to investigate the disappearance of the "Sun Rainbow"."
She looked at him, not believing her ears. It was too good to be true. Delia knew perfectly well that he could have hidden intentions. But the thought of being caught by Convention agents was depressing.
"And if I refuse?" she asked, trying not to show that he had hurt her.
"Then you'll be alone against everyone," Makoto said, his voice cold. "You don't want to end up in the hands of those who don't understand your strength, do you?"
The room was silent for a moment. Delia thought about her friends, about what might happen if she agreed. She knew she had no other choice.
"I'll think about your offer," she said, trying to remain calm.
"It's a wise decision, Delia," Makoto replied, his smile warming. "Don't forget, I'm always available."
He turned and walked out, leaving her completely confused. Delia was left standing in the darkness, a voice inside her telling her that she had powers she could use to find a way out of this situation. She knew she would need to find allies among the philosophers and others who could help her. And perhaps it was time to use her powers not only for defense, but also for attack. Either way, she needed to act quickly before Makoto Shugarami or the Convention found her again.
Time passed quickly, and soon Delia found herself in a black car, speeding through the picturesque streets of Lisbon. Makoto Shugarami, sitting next to her, talked about the philosophers' convention she was heading to. Delia couldn't shake the feeling that Makoto saw her as nothing more than a tool to achieve his goals.
"You'll be the center of attention, Delia," Makoto said with a smile. "These philosophers have long dreamed of seeing a person with such unique abilities. Your energy, telekinesis, is not just magic, it is a scientific phenomenon that they seek to study."
Delia remained silent, struggling with her inner conflict. Soon the car stopped in front of the building where the convention was taking place. The huge, stylish complex was full of people dressed in expensive suits and elegant dresses. Delia got out of the car and went inside. There she saw philosophers gathered around tables, each of whom seemed to be focused on discussing her abilities.
Among them, Delia noticed one of the most famous philosophers, Professor Shinoda Okamura, who began to talk about her unique abilities:
"Imagine that telekinesis and energy manipulation are not just abilities, but a potential new paradigm in understanding the human mind and its capabilities!"
The crowd of philosophers were discussing this animatedly, and Delia felt their interest in her growing.
"This is incredible," said a certain woman in glasses. "If her abilities are truly scientific, it could change our understanding of the boundaries of human capabilities."
"But how can we be sure that this is not just a deception or an illusion?" exclaimed another philosopher, raising his eyebrows. "We need proof!"
Makoto, standing next to Delia, called her attention to the matter:
"This is your finest hour, Delia! You must show them what you are capable of," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Delia nodded, and Makoto, stepping forward, addressed the crowd of philosophers:
"Dear colleagues, Delia has agreed to demonstrate her abilities. I hope you are ready for this amazing experience!"
The crowd froze in anticipation. Delia took a deep breath and walked onto the small stage, lit by soft lighting, and turned to face the assembled crowd. Her hands began to glow with a soft blue light as she concentrated on her abilities. Delia imagined herself lifting the table of books located to the side of her, and with difficulty forced herself to relax.
A moment later, she felt the energy rise within her, and the table slowly rose into the air. A murmur of surprise and admiration rang out from the hall.
"Amazing!" the woman with long hair exclaimed. "This could open up completely new horizons for science!"
Meanwhile, Makoto, standing in the shadows, narrowed his eyes. Delia noticed that he was not simply admiring, but scanning the crowd, as if looking for potential opponents. When the table smoothly returned to its place, she took a step back and addressed the philosophers:
"I am ready to answer your questions, but I want you to understand: I am not a toy that can be used in your scientific research. I am a person, and my abilities are just a part of me."
The philosophers exchanged glances, and silence reigned in the room. Delia understood that this moment was her chance not only to show her powers, but also to establish boundaries that she did not intend to cross.