"You said we can't use our powers without mana. So how are you able to create gunpowder?"
Aniket, thinking, said, "When did I ever say we can't use them? I just said that without mana, it's completely useless."
"Look, I have a theory. Even though we don't possess mana ourselves, what about the environment? As we breathe, we also absorb some traces of mana particles into our bodies. They're not permanent, but they're enough to let you use a small amount of power."
"And according to my calculations, it takes me about 15 minutes to create one gram of gunpowder. So you can imagine how useless these powers really are."
"I think you understand what I'm saying, Silent Lady," Aniket concluded.
In response, a voice replied, "Your plan is absolute nonsense. Do you realize how much gunpowder you'll need to blow something up? If you use too little, they'll find out, and if you use too much, you'll die. And another thing: even if you manage to blow up the wall, I don't think you'll get very far after that."
"We're completely stuck."
Aniket laughed, "Oh, I hadn't even thought about that."
"Wait, wait, I have an idea. What if I create a radioactive substance and inject it directly into the guards' bodies? They'll start dying one by one, and then the path will be clear."
Avinash shouted, "That's nonsense too! Even if you somehow make it, what happens to us afterward? This is suicide! We won't be immune to the radiation either. Don't even think about it—you'll drag us down with you."
"And I absolutely don't want to die from radiation."
Li Mei thought to herself, Creating a radioactive substance? His powers are far more dangerous than I imagined.
Understanding the implications, Li Mei said, "If you do something that foolish, you'll be the first to die."
Annoyed, Aniket replied, "Fine, I have no plan left. You make the plan now. I'm off to the toilet."
"Lazy, unemployed soldier! Hurry up and take me to the toilet before I create a mess here!"
Ten seconds later, a soldier came running and yelled, "Don't even think about it!" Taking a deep breath, he added, "Follow me quietly."
"And if you try anything clever, the consequences will be dire."
Yawning, Aniket said, "I know, I know, you say the same thing every time, you robot."
After Aniket left, Avinash looked at the blue screen in front of him and thought, I need more mana to use this, but how?
Here, people only talk when blood is spilled, and most of them are unconscious anyway, except for that headache of a person. Even if I somehow convince him to find a way... chances are Xavier hasn't told him anything.
Elsewhere:
Suddenly, a shadow entered through the window.
Seeing this, Vincent Griffin calmly turned around and said, "Why the rush? Tell me, what news do you bring?"
The man, completely cloaked in shadows, replied nervously, "He's coming back, Your Highness. He was seen near the borders."
Vincent Griffin, growing serious, asked, "Are you sure it was him?"
The man said, "I saw him with my own eyes. The sword saint was right there."
Worry was clearly visible on Vincent Griffin's face as he said, "Go quickly and keep an eye on him. And make sure you don't get too close—maintain at least a kilometer of distance."
The man responded, "Yes, Your Highness," and suddenly vanished into the shadows.
After some time,
Victoria entered the room, saw Vincent Griffin in front of him, and said, "Your Highness, you called for me."
Vincent Griffin, sipping red wine from a glass, said, "We need to get everyone out of here, and quickly."
Victoria was a bit surprised and replied, "I don't understand."
Vincent Griffin, angry, said, "Do as I say. The situation has worsened considerably."
Victoria said, "Alright, I'll get them out by tomorrow."
Vincent Griffin, furious, said, "Not tomorrow—today. We don't have time."
Victoria hesitated and asked, "Why do you seem so worried, Your Majesty?"
Vincent Griffin, glaring at him, said, "Just do as I've told you."
Victoria left the room, called a servant over, and said, "Gather all the staff."
A little while later,
All the palace staff had gathered in one place. One servant whispered to another, "Do you know why we've been called here?" The other replied, "How would I know?"
Similar murmurs spread among the group until everyone suddenly fell silent, noticing someone approaching.
Victoria shouted loudly, "Listen carefully, everyone! Prepare for the arrival of the heroes. The time has come to summon the heroes into this world."
"The time has come to show the world our true power and bring humanity back to the top."
Saying this, he walked away. After walking for a while, Victoria opened a door where many people were standing.
Seeing them, Victoria asked, "So, is the teleportation circle ready?"
In the dungeon,
Suddenly, a group of soldiers entered, banging on the iron bars and shouting, "Everyone will come out now!" All the cell doors were opened.
Avinash, who didn't understand what was happening, quietly followed the orders.
The other prisoners around him looked equally puzzled, but the soldiers remained silent.
After some time, they were led through a narrow corridor, where Aniket, covered in blood, appeared and said, "What is this nonsense? Can someone tell me what's going on here?"
One of the soldiers kicked Aniket and pushed him into the group with the others. Aniket, looking around, asked the people nearby, "What's happening here?"
A boy replied, "I don't know. They suddenly started taking us out of here. But why is there blood on your clothes?"
Aniket said, "Oh, that? The soldier who took me to the toilet snapped out of their hypnosis. When these people found out, they killed him. Looks like they're taking us somewhere else now. Which means my 408 grams of gunpowder is going to waste."
As soon as everyone stepped outside the building, their eyes widened in astonishment. Aniket exclaimed, "We were underwater this whole time?"
Everyone could see the massive bubble surrounding them.
Victoria, standing in front, said, "I know you all have many questions, and I'm here to answer them."
Aniket raised his hand and said, "Yeah, sure, so tell us—should we call you Uncle or Aunt? Because I really can't figure out whether you're male or female."
From the crowd, Avinash shouted, "Will someone shut his mouth?"
Learning from last time's mistake, a boy immediately covered Aniket's mouth while a few others held his arms and legs.
Victoria smiled and said, "You can call me whatever you like. As for why you've been brought here—it's time to end your suffering and free you from all the pain you've endured."
A boy, trembling with fear, said, "They're going to kill us!"