I heard a boom. It was an explosion.It hit the base of the building, so my hypothesis was right. They're going to blow up the lower levels to create a much bigger blast and bring Suki down. As long as I'm here, there will be no war. My top priority is to protect the king.
Using air magic, I create a kind of anti-fall cushion for the people on the upper floors. Gently, I move them to a safe area. One of the bandits saw me land and attacked, but I countered. Unfortunately for him, I'm stronger. I knocked him out so I could use him as a hostage and force him to reveal their entire plan. That's where my knowledge and experience in psychology come into play.
Anyway, I brought him home and tied him to a chair. As soon as he woke up, I started asking simple questions, then harder ones. If he didn't answer, I threatened him or projected a future in which he would suffer terribly. It's one of the most terrifying techniques I developed. Actually, we use hypnosis—not magic or poison—because it's more practical. At first he answered in fear, then he collected himself, and that's when the real work began. The simple questions are intentionally long to give the impression that nothing difficult is being asked; if that fails, we move on to more dangerous methods. I feel like a villain, but in truth I'm the hero.
After reporting to the king—since my method worked—I explained that the next attack target was the duke's house, but if the duke survives, they planned to blow up the king's residence. And if that failed, they would begin eliminating guards and peasants until they reached the duke and the prince. I sensed something odd in my hostage's eyes, as if he hadn't told me everything. But I killed him, so I can't go back. Just kidding—I could have done it, but it would be tiring, and I did kill him for entertainment (I'm a psychology student, not a psychopath). He had prepared only the knights with the duke—only myself and them.
I prepared for every eventuality and warned the peasants to hide…