After her impressive speech, Delia sat down at the debate table, and the crowd of philosophers around her became animated with questions.
"Delia," Professor Shinoda Okamura began, "how do you feel about the question of whether your powers can change our understanding of power and responsibility? What is it like to be a person with such unique abilities?"
"I believe that my power is not only a gift, but also a burden," Delia answered, trying to be sincere. "My powers require responsibility, and I cannot allow anyone to use them for their own benefit."
There were approving comments from the audience, but Makoto's gaze, standing in the background, made her uneasy. He clenched his hands and watched her like a predator watching his prey. Delia sensed that he was waiting for the moment when he could intervene.
"How can you be sure that you will not be influenced by others, Delia?" asked the bearded philosopher, who looked especially wary. "In a world where powers can be used for selfish purposes, how do you intend to protect your ideas?"
"I will not allow myself to be manipulated by anyone," she said, feeling a sense of fortitude rising within her. "I will only use my powers for those I trust and for my own ends."
"Delia," Makoto interrupted with a slight smile, "we live in a world where cooperation and collaboration are necessary to achieve success. Don't you realize that by joining forces, we can achieve so much more?"
His voice was full of charisma, and all eyes turned to him again. Many of the philosophers nodded in agreement. Delia felt a sense of unease creeping up on her. Makoto was trying to twist her words, to make them part of his game.
"I'm not sure your definition of success is the same as mine," she snapped, trying to get the conversation back on track. "I don't want to be a pawn in your game, Makoto."
"But you don't understand," he said, leaning towards her as if searching for weakness in her eyes. "This isn't a game, this is reality. People with your abilities can change the course of history. I just want you to be a part of it."
Delia felt her anger rising. She couldn't let it steer the conversation away; she had to be persistent.
"I don't need your help, Makoto. I can make my own decisions," she said, raising her voice.
The philosophers looked at each other, some of them looking confused, others began to discuss her words among themselves. However, Makoto wasn't about to give up. He turned sharply to the philosophers, getting their attention.
"How can you be sure that her abilities can actually be useful without control?" he asked, his voice growing more guarded. "I suggest a constructive approach to learning her powers, to avoid the potential consequences that could arise if she doesn't learn to control them.
Delia felt the tension in the room grow. She realized that Makoto wanted to use her to plant the idea in the philosophers' heads that she needed his protection and control.
"I can control my powers," she said, trying to keep her cool. "I don't need your control. I'm here to explain the importance of using these abilities wisely and respectfully."
She turned to the philosophers, who were listening intently.
"If you really want to understand how my powers work, we should work together as equals, not create a hierarchy where I'm dependent on someone."
The philosophers seemed to consider her words. Makoto, realizing that the situation was slipping out of his hands, frowned.
"But you don't know what's going on outside of this conference, Delia," he said, his voice turning sullen. "There are powers that seek to use you, and you can't be naive in your approach."
"I'm not naive, Makoto. I'm just not going to let you use me for your own ends," she replied, clenching her fists. "If you want to know how my powers really work," she continued, "let's start with an honest and open discussion."
The philosophers began to whisper, discussing her words. Delia felt determination boiling inside her, but suddenly the atmosphere of the room changed. One of the philosophers, an older man with a long beard, raised his hand, attracting everyone's attention.
"We've heard a lot of talk about what you can do, Delia," he said, his voice low and slow. "But words can't be the only proof. We want to see your powers in action."
As if on cue, the other participants began to nod in approval. Delia felt her heart beat faster. She knew that Makoto, standing in the background with a smirk on his face, was only waiting for this moment. It was his game, and she was his piece on the chessboard.
"Before we continue, I want you to understand," she said, trying to remain calm, "that demonstrating my powers is not just a matter of science. It's deeper than that, it's a matter of ethics and control. I don't intend to show off my powers so that someone can use them for their own ends."
The philosophers looked at each other, and silence fell over the room.
"If you want to see how I can use my powers, let's do it with respect and understanding," she continued.
There were murmurs in the audience, and finally the elderly philosopher who had started this conversation said,
"If you're confident in your powers, we could organize some kind of test. But keep in mind: it must be safe for everyone."
"I think that's a reasonable suggestion," Makoto said. "Delia, this would be a great opportunity to demonstrate your unique abilities."
Delia knew this "test" could be a trap, but deep down she knew she had no choice. If she refused, it would undermine her authority and her chances for independence.
"Okay," she said, gathering her courage. "But I insist that all actions be safe for everyone present."
The philosophers began to exchange opinions, and finally one of them, a tall man with short hair, said:
"We can create an environment where you can show off your abilities. We will take the necessary precautions."
After his words, two people with professional equipment approached Delia. They began to set up protective barriers around a small area in the center of the room. Meanwhile, Makoto approached her, leaning closer.
"Just remember, Delia," he said with a slight grin, "that you must demonstrate your powers in a way that will make them appreciate you. This could be the beginning of something great, if you are smart."
Delia nodded, trying to hide her true emotions. When everything was ready, she stepped onto the platform.
"I'm going to demonstrate telekinesis," she said, trying to remain calm. "I'm going to lift this table," she pointed to the small table in the center.
Gathering herself, Delia focused on her energy. She felt a flow of power begin to move through her body, and soon the table slowly rose into the air. A murmur of surprise and admiration rang out in the hall as the object soared higher and hovered in the air, surrounded by a slight glow.
"Wonderful!" one of the philosophers said, his voice filled with excitement.
But Delia knew that this demonstration was only the beginning. She began to move the table, causing it to spin in the air, and this caused even more excitement.
However, at that moment, her attention was distracted by movement in the back of the hall, where Makoto was whispering with one of the philosophers. Her heart began to beat faster, and she realized that while she was demonstrating her powers, they could be planning something that would threaten her independence. Gathering her strength, she increased the flow of energy and made the table slowly fall into place.
"If you want to see more, I am ready for experiments," she said, trying to impress. "But I want it done openly and honestly."
The philosophers seemed to consider her words, and Delia felt a new atmosphere in the room. But there was still the threat of Makoto. She could not allow him to use her for his own purposes.
"I am going to create a small illusion," she said, trying to maintain a confident tone. "It will demonstrate how I can manipulate energy not only physically, but also visually."
She closed her eyes, trying to concentrate. However, the moment she called upon her power, a sudden flood of emotions burst forth. It was like a storm, and the energy in her body seemed to have a will of its own, creating a bright flash of light. The gaze of the philosophers and participants was riveted on her, but Delia could not stop what had already begun.
"No, no!" she screamed, trying to regain control, but her powers were already at their limit.
The walls of the hall began to shake, and the audience panicked, trying to take cover from the unexpected power that had been released from their control. Suddenly, one of the columns gave way and crashed to the floor, creating a cloud of dust and chaos. Screams of horror rang out, and Delia closed her eyes, trying to concentrate, and began to call upon her powers to fix the situation.
She saw some of the philosophers begin to panic, which only added to her tension. The flashes of light and the sounds of destruction disorientated her even more. Concentrating on her breathing, she raised her hands and focused on her inner light, trying to slow the vortex of energy she was facing.
With effort, Delia created a protective field around herself that calmed the flashes of light and sound, but some of the walls continued to crack, threatening to collapse. The hall fell into a panicked silence. The participants watched with bated breath as she struggled to cope with the growing force.
"Delia!" one of the philosophers shouted. "Remain calm! You have to do this!"
Her mind cleared, and focusing all her energy, she created a powerful surge that stopped the storm around her. The walls no longer shook, and soon the dust settled. The participants slowly began to come to their senses, and Delia, breathing heavily, realized that she had regained control again.
Makoto Shugarami, standing at the back wall, looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite place—it was a mixture of admiration and anger. Her abilities might be impressive, but they also made him afraid, and this realization made Delia shudder.
"You don't understand what you're dealing with, Delia," Makoto said menacingly, approaching her. "Your powers can be both a gift and a curse."
Delia, still breathing heavily, lifted her chin. She knew that she had just experienced both destruction and power. This could be her chance. She had to use this moment to show that her abilities should not be controlled by anyone, not even those who considered themselves wise.
"I know I'm capable of more than you can imagine," she said, looking at Makoto and the philosophers, who seemed to be rethinking their views. "But it has to be on my terms."
The philosophers looked at each other, and even their fear seemed to be receding. Delia felt like this was a moment of triumph for her, for she had managed to cope with the situation, but Makoto's shadow behind her made her wary.
"Impressive," Makoto said with a smirk. "But you do realize that powers like yours can cause great destruction if they get out of control. That's exactly what I was trying to teach you."
His words were like poison, slowly seeping into her mind. Delia felt fear creep into her heart. Was she really out of control of her powers? She had felt confident a moment ago, but now a shadow of doubt was beginning to thicken.
"I was able to stop the destruction," she said, trying to keep her voice confident. "I won't let anyone hurt me with my powers."
Makoto stepped closer, his eyes blazing like a predator preparing to pounce.
"But didn't you notice how easy it was?" he said, emphasizing each word. "You can't be sure you have control over your powers. It's only a matter of time before your power breaks out and hurts innocents. You saw what happened here!"
The conversation had Delia trapped in her own thoughts. She remembered how her powers could spiral out of control in moments of panic. But she couldn't let that fear take hold of her.
"If you truly cared about my safety, you wouldn't use me as a pawn in your games," she said defiantly, looking him in the eye. "You want to control me, not help me."
Makoto took a step back, as if stunned by her audacity. But he quickly recovered and returned to his manipulation.
"These are not games, Delia. This is a matter of survival. You must realize that your abilities can be both a weapon and a blessing. How can you be sure to make the right choice at a critical moment?"
His words tormented her, and she felt the anxiety rising in her again. Delia took a deep breath, trying to regain control, but his words continued to echo in her mind.
"You can't trust yourself," her inner voice whispered. "You could destroy everyone if you can't control yourself."
At that moment, the philosophers, watching her inner struggle, began to whisper among themselves. One of them, an elderly man with gray hair, said,
"Delia, fear is a normal reaction. But you must remember that your powers do not define you. You define your powers."
Delia turned her attention to him. These words made her understand that despite her fear, she was the one who controlled her powers, and not the other way around.
"Yes, I can make mistakes," she said, feeling the power begin to circulate in her veins again. "But it is my responsibility to use them correctly. I will not let fear control me."
Makoto, realizing that his manipulations were losing their effectiveness, frowned. He did not expect Delia to be able to resist his psychological game.
"You're still not strong enough to handle what awaits you," he said, his face dark with anger and frustration. "There are many dangers in this world, and you will fall victim to your own illusions."
With these words, he stepped back, leaving Delia standing in the center of the room, surrounded by philosophers and participants of the convention, who began to discuss what had happened. Delia felt her confidence begin to grow, despite his threats. The inner voice no longer inspired fear in her, but told her that she must be smart and strong.
"I will fight for my freedom," she said, addressing the participants. "I will not become a pawn in someone's games. I will use my powers to create, not destroy."
Applause began to sound in the room, and the philosophers looked at her with approval. Delia, realizing that fear no longer had power over her, decided to act. She knew that her abilities could not only create illusions, but also protect. And now, when the atmosphere in the hall was tense, and fear was spreading among the participants, she raised her hands up, and a light aura began to appear around her, gradually becoming brighter. She felt how her energy, like a stream of light, began to gather and form into a powerful protective field.
"Attention everyone!" she said loudly, her voice sounding confident despite the chaos around her. "I will create a protective field to ensure the safety of each of you!"
The participants of the convention, seeing how her aura began to grow and sparkle, froze. The gazes of the philosophers and guests were riveted to her with anticipation. Delia could see how the light around her began to grow, forming a translucent barrier that slowly rose and expanded, embracing all the participants of the convention. The barrier, as if made of light and energy, shone with a soft, calming light, radiating warmth and confidence. Delia could see the fear and tension on the people's faces begin to disappear.
"This protective field will help us survive any conflict," she said, trying to inspire them. "I will protect you!"
As if in response to her words, Makoto, who seemed furious, began to pace nervously around the room, as if trying to break her protective field with his sinister gaze.
"You think this will protect you?" he said with disdain. "These pathetic attempts only show your weakness!"
But Delia, feeling the energy around her growing stronger, did not let his words break her and continued to concentrate on the protective field, which began to sparkle, as if responding to her confidence.
"You don't understand what I can do!" she replied, her voice full of strength. "I will not allow you to manipulate me and those I love."
With that, she took a step forward, her barrier shining brightly, reflecting light like stars, and its glow filled the hall with warmth and confidence. The philosophers began to talk among themselves, and one of them, an elderly man, came closer.
"Delia, you are not only protecting yourself, you are showing everyone that power can be used for good," he said, admiring her courage.
At that moment, Delia realized that she was not alone. She was part of something bigger, and her powers were not only for her, but also for the protection of others. She continued to concentrate, feeling how her powers began to work in unison with the energy of the philosophers and the participants of the convention, creating a powerful unification.
"Together we are stronger!" she said, and her words echoed in the hall.
The participants began to actively support her, raising their hands and joining her intention. At that moment, Makoto, realizing that his plans were falling apart, began to get nervous. He continued to pace back and forth, but Delia, sensing his uneasiness, only smiled. The protective field not only protected them, but also served as a powerful symbol of unity.
But then she suddenly decided that she would not allow Makoto and the others to take advantage of her. Delia looked around, and a feeling of boredom began to form within her. She couldn't understand how she had ever considered this whole discussion among philosophers important. It all seemed too far removed from real life and what really mattered.
While the participants were focused on discussing her protective field and its potential applications, Delia felt that this was not for her. Gathering all her strength, she focused on creating a small bubble of invisibility around herself, and then quietly moved towards the door. Her heart was pounding with excitement, but she was confident in her decision. Her life on the Moon Base was full of bright colors, and here on Earth, she lacked the same sense of adventure.
When Delia finally reached the exit, she felt a buzz of voices behind her. Seconds later, she found herself in the fresh air, breathing in the rich, rich scent of Lisbon, which reminded her of warmth and sunny days.