Players were also shocked, with some commenting, "So that's the power of this town's famous magician."
"Yeah, I've heard a lot about him and his abilities from the townsfolk. But if he's this powerful and can easily stop all of this, why didn't he help that child when her manifestation was killed?" another player in the group asked, glancing at the direction of the tower.
"Yes, forget about helping the girl—why didn't he stop the gang of goons that entered this town? I think he's hypocritical," another player of the Dark faction added. As soon as the townspeople heard these comments, they became visibly irritated, but what could they say to these immortal players?
Jonathan, observing the gang leader distracted by the commotion, decided to act. Taking advantage of the moment, he plunged his claws into the gang leader's chest, instantly killing him. "Sorry, buddy. It's nothing personal, but you hurt me, and then it became personal. May you rest in peace," Jonathan muttered as he collapsed to his knees, exhausted.
"Damn this game. Is this even a game? The pain, the exhaustion, the ruthlessness—everything feels so real... but it's exciting!" he said before falling unconscious from extreme fatigue.
The fight, the interference of the town's master, and the activation of the blue shield became trending topics on online platforms across various countries. Discussions about the rare manifestation chip dominated social media and news channels.
---
Meanwhile, inside the meeting room at the Maya Company's headquarters, a serious discussion was underway. Seated around a round table were Karna, Arjun, the Prime Minister, the National Security Advisor, and several key government officials, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Health Minister, the ISRO Chief, and leading scientists from the Department of Science.
Breaking the silence, the Defence Minister addressed Karna and Arjun. "You both know the purpose of this meeting. But first, let me apologize for the security breach that occurred. The attack on you that day was unfortunate. However, after the incident, we thoroughly investigated the attackers and their affiliations. Rest assured, we've taken measures to ensure such breaches will never happen again."
Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor, tapped the table, and a holographic image of the terrorists appeared in the center. Karna flinched slightly but remained quiet as Doval continued.
"These two had been serving in the army for years. Their backgrounds were clean, but they were sleeper cells—the last remaining ones from the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Let me assure you, this attack was not just on you but on the nation's economy. We will make sure those bastards don't see another sunrise."
Karna and Arjun exchanged a glance, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. Sleeper cells infiltrating the army were rare, but not impossible. They were unlucky to be targeted, but lucky to expose such a threat.
"I understand," Karna said solemnly, nodding in agreement.
The room fell silent again until the Prime Minister spoke. "Let's address the elephant in the room. Karna, Arjun—is it true? Can manifestations actually be used to kill human beings?"
Karna sighed and exchanged a glance with Arjun. They were prepared for this question. With debates raging on social media and news channels, they knew they needed to provide a solid explanation to dispel any misconceptions.
"Yes, sir," Karna began. "What you saw that day is true. It's possible, but only if three conditions are met."
He paused briefly before continuing. "The first condition is that it requires exclusive permission from our system to allow manifestations to interact with real-world objects. This also involves the use of a special chip created by us, which is not part of the game".
"The second condition is that it requires a massive amount of energy to perform such tasks. In my case, the energy requirement was significant. As you can see..." Karna tapped the table, displaying a holographic image of a power plant.
"When that being used its move, it nearly drained an entire power plant of its energy. I was fortunate it didn't require more".
"The third and final condition is that it must be within the range of the creation platform. Again, I was fortunate the terrorists chose to execute their plan within the platform's range. Without that, the manifestation would have been powerless to intervene."
Karna paused to take a sip of water, his throat dry from the lengthy explanation. He waited for the officials to respond.
The Health Minister broke the silence. "So, if all three conditions are met, it is possible to take a real person's life using this technology. Doesn't that make it inherently dangerous?"
The Defence Minister nodded, adding, "Exactly. The two conditions—energy requirements and platform range—can eventually be resolved. Your company and others are already expanding the platform's reach, and energy needs can be met with sufficient resources. This leaves only one safeguard: your company's exclusive permission."
Arjun nodded. "Correct," he replied.
The Foreign Minister interjected, "And that's precisely the issue. The problem isn't just that this technology can be used to kill. The problem is that one person—you—has the power to decide whether or not to grant such permission. The world powers will not accept this."
Both Karna and Arjun straightened in their seats, visibly tense. Arjun asked calmly, "What are you suggesting, sir?"
The Foreign Minister looked at the Prime Minister, who gave him a nod before he turned back to them. "We are suggesting that your company relinquish this exclusive permission."
Karna's eyes widened in shock. though all of this was a farce to cover her identity but he realised one things and that she can indeed save her life in crunch situations and now this conditions will help him to freely use her power in very dire situation.
As he after that incident truly didn't trust on the security of the men's so suddenly hearing this condition asked by the minister angered him.
His blood strated to boil in anger, How could they ask him to give up such power? It was tantamount to surrendering control of his life's work and security. Before Karna could lash out, Arjun placed a calming hand on his arm.
"Let's hear their reasoning first," Arjun said, turning to the officials. "Why would the government make such a suggestion?"
Karna clenched his fists but nodded, waiting for their explanation.
The foreign minister, taking in their expressions, continues speaking He says, "I know our demands may seem excessive and unjust to you, but you're failing to see what we see. Look, Karna, when the nuclear bomb was first created, every nation raced to possess it. Why? Because they understood two things: first, that it provided security against both new and old enemies; and second, that if their adversaries possessed such power while they did not, they had already lost the war. So, every country joined the race".
"Similarly, whenever a new technology emerges that has the potential to reshape society, nations, for the safety and security of their citizens, they choose to control it by any means necessary. Some try to invent it themselves, while others borrow it. When more than one nation holds such power, the world becomes a more balanced and peaceful place. But when a single nation monopolizes a power that no one else can replicate or access, it becomes a perceived threat, and the world unites to eliminate that threat."
He pauses briefly, letting his words sink in, before continuing. "Your invention is the new weapon, Karna—a technology with the potential for mass destruction. We have seen the power of manifestations. Now imagine, Karna, these manifestations fulfilling those conditions. Imagine they somehow gain your permission—which, for now, we believe you and your company will not grant. But let's consider the worst-case scenario: what if they obtain your permission through coercion, by threatening your companions or loved ones? The sheer destruction they could unleash upon the world is unimaginable."
The minister's gaze sharpens as he adds, "You are right—who are we to demand permission from you? But tell me, Karna, what will be the reaction of the masses when they discover that you and your company alone wield the power to create and authorize manifestations capable of killing real human beings? Even if you never intend to use this power, do you believe the common people of any nation would accept it?"
Both Karna and Arjun are stunned by this response, as they had never considered the situation from this perspective. Seeing their shock, the foreign minister continues, "The people elected us, Karna. We represent them. Your company is vital to our nation—we don't want to see it break; we want it to flourish. But the power you hold, Karna, is simply too immense for one individual. When the people learn that you alone control the ability to create such manifestations, they won't see it as safety—they'll see it as a threat."
The foreign minister takes a sip of water, observing the growing understanding in Karna and Arjun's expressions. However, Karna still presses, "So, you're saying I should completely give up this authority? But tell me, why should I trust the bureaucracy? Don't take offense at my words, but when your party loses the next election and another government takes power, who will take responsibility? Who will assure us that this power won't be misused—for mass weapons testing, or worse, to create weapons of war?"
Hearing this, the prime minister smiles before responding. "Karna, nuclear weapons remain under government control. Have we ever used them recklessly? Yes, corruption exists in our bureaucracy—it's no secret—but we manage to control it, even if we cannot completely eradicate it. Despite its flaws, the system works to keep the nation safe".
"Understand this: you are not the only one who loves this nation. The bureaucracy may have its bad apples, but it remains the backbone of India. It holds this country together and ensures that we are always prepared to protect our people. The same bureaucracy you question has safeguarded us for decades, and it continues to do so today."