The hideout was dim, but Aarav's resolve burned brighter than ever. His ribs still ached, and his muscles protested every movement, but none of that mattered. Strength—he needed strength, no matter what it took.
"Anahata," Aarav grunted as he adjusted his position on the mattress, "tell me how I can get stronger. I need options. Real ones."
"Plenty of ways," Anahata chirped playfully. "But you may not like them."
"Just spit it out."
Anahata's hologram flickered, appearing as a mischievous ball of light. "First option: Build a high-tech suit like Iron Man."
Aarav's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! Let's do that!"
"Correction," Anahata interrupted with a smug tone. "Tony Stark was a genius who graduated from MIT at 17. You didn't even finish college."
Aarav's face fell. "Wow, thanks for the confidence boost."
"Just stating facts."
"Fine. What else?"
Anahata's voice turned ominous. "Option two: Super syringes."
Aarav leaned forward. "Like those crazy serums that make you super strong?"
"Exactly. But there are... side effects."
Aarav hesitated. "Like what?"
Anahata's tone was gleefully grim. "Nothing much—just a tail, some fur, or maybe your head will grow to the size of a watermelon."
Aarav's jaw dropped. "Are you telling me to forget humanity and become an alien on my own planet?"
"Adapt or perish," Anahata quipped.
"Next option," Aarav grumbled.
"Machine integration," Anahata said dramatically. "You can merge with me and become part machine."
Aarav's eyes narrowed. "That doesn't sound too bad."
"Except for the unimaginable, excruciating pain that'll make you wish for death," Anahata added cheerfully.
Aarav winced. "Yeah, hard pass."
He paused, thinking. "Wait... does magic exist?"
Anahata's hologram flickered with excitement. "Yes."
Aarav's eyes sparkled. "No way! I can learn magic?"
"Absolutely not," Anahata deadpanned. "Your brain would go puff—meaning blast—if we tried integrating magic."
Aarav's hope shattered. "Great. Just great."
"Look, you do have some viable options," Anahata said, its tone softening. "You can learn to make weapons, use some low-risk syringes to build a strong foundation for your body, and—"
"Let me guess," Aarav sighed, "work out like a maniac?"
"Bingo!" Anahata chirped.
Aarav slumped back against the mattress. "So basically, hard work and baby syringes. Fantastic."
"Hey, you wanted to keep your humanity," Anahata teased. "Besides, I'll be here to lighten the mood while you suffer."
Aarav cracked a grin despite the pain. "Lucky me."