"Did he … just vanished?" Ethan stared in shock at the phenomenon before him. Whether he was a mutant or something else, Ethan wasn't quite sure. His gaze swept to the three remaining teens.
"Ethan-san, would you like some food?" Frozen Flower, the one who introduced herself as Kanae, offered a lunch box containing several rice balls. Given the situation, only Yahiko—Ramen Topping Wannabe—could eat heartily right now.
"No … thanks. I'm not hungry."
"Then tell me if you want some later."
Ethan only nodded at the kindness Kanae showed. Looking at the group again, it felt very calm, as if they weren't worried about what would happen next. Someone praised the food, someone happily accepted the praise, and someone focused on reading a book. Ethan wasn't sure whether it was all a distraction to calm themselves or if they truly weren't afraid, but Ethan was more worried about Ordinary Person—the one who called himself Kiriya.
The snowstorm outside still showed no sign of changing.
"Will your friend be alright?" Ethan asked them. His eyes shifted between the three and the window that showed the outside world still being battered by the snowstorm.
"Although we're worried about the situation, whether we like it or not, we can only trust. Besides, I'm sure we'd only get in the way if we went," Yahiko answered, "Every step he took suggests he knows the ins and outs of this place and the characteristics of the enemy. We don't have that quality. And he told us to rest so we'd be ready for the final battle later."
The final battle … and Ethan pondered the kid's words. "He knows the ins and outs of this place …." Did that mean he'd been here before? With his ability to disappear and so on, it shouldn't be too hard to go anywhere in this world.
Ethan wondered how they all felt, being forced to fight something they didn't know for the sake of a stranger they'd only met for a few minutes.
Although they seemed to follow Ordinary Person, Kiriya, without question. Still, doubt would always exist.
"Why didn't you refuse the request?" Ethan decided to ask the three of them. Even Kiriya, if he were here.
He hadn't asked for help, nor did he feel he was unable to get through all this.
They were all silent, considering who could answer the question, before Yahiko decided to speak.
"… We couldn't refuse. The notice said it's our duty to help fellow members."
Forced by circumstance… "If you don't want to move. You can just wait until I finish everything," Ethan replied.
That was an option. A choice they could make themselves.
No one knew what would happen if they didn't help Ethan. And no one knew what would happen if they did help Ethan.
They walked along a dark path. With no light to guide them.
"So, how long will you fight?" Kiriya's voice asked as the door opened, revealing Kiriya who had finished gathering intel.
Ethan was just an ordinary man—that was who he was if not for the regenerative ability that was already at its limit.
"Until I die," Ethan Winters answered firmly. No doubt could be heard in the man's voice.
This was his duty as father.
Kiriya wasn't surprised by Ethan's answer. His eyes shifted to the three youths watching.
"Please think whether you will help or wait. I will respect your choice," he told the three.
Kiriya would respect their choice. It wasn't an obligation, but as someone who knew more than the others, Kiriya decided to help and guide them rather than selfishly forcing them to follow his path.
"I want to help!" Yahiko stood up and shouted, looking at Kiriya resolutely.
He was a kid growing up in war. Family was an important part of him. Just like how he regarded his teachers, Nagato and Konan.
Kiriya nodded at Yahiko. "I hope you can respect those who have different answers from you."
He shifted his gaze to the two remaining. "Actually, I don't need an immediate answer like that. Think about it first. You can give your answer later."
His hand checked his watch, "We still have a few minutes before Mr. Ethan leaves again."
"I understand …." Kanae replied calmly. Her mind seemed to have already made a decision.
Meanwhile Mei only nodded. Because of this complicated matter, she couldn't fully focus on her book.
A few minutes later, Ethan stood up and tidied his weapons. "I'll go now."
Kiriya nodded to him, then turned to Yahiko. "Go. Don't die, Yahiko, Ethan."
"I understand, Kiriya-san!"
While the two of them are gone, Kiriya waits for the girls to answer his question.
"Kiriya-san …."
The man turned to Kanae who called him.
In the girl's hand, a katana was already firmly gripped. She looked at Kiriya with determination. "This is my answer."
Kanae had decided to help.
As expected from her.
"Go. Follow them."
Kanae nodded, smiled and said goodbye to Kiriya and Mei. "Then, I'll go first."
With the sound of the door closed by Kochou Kanae. Only one remained.
Mei closed the book in her hand, looking at Kiriya over her new glasses. "I've decided."
Kiriya nodded. "Whatever your decision, I will help you with it."
Mei was silent for a while. She set and reaffirmed her answer in her heart repeatedly. "I can't help them. I don't have the strength to do it. I'll be a burden if I join in instead of helping."
Hearing that, Kiriya smiled faintly. "I understand. I will help you until you return home safely."
He stood up and prepared. "Is it okay if we follow them from behind?"
"… It's fine."
Mei realized her own limitations. Unlike Kanae who had experience using a sword or Yahiko who had ninja abilities. Mei had just obtained her powers.
Even beyond that, she was just an ordinary school student. She never expected to stand here.
She couldn't help Ethan. Not now when she still couldn't use her power well. Even if she wants to, right now, she can't.
"Let me carry you again." Kiriya extended his hand to Mei.
"Y-yes …."
"Do you want a piggyback style or the princess carry?"
"… Just piggyback please …."
Kiriya smiled faintly at Mei's reaction. "All right." He turned his back to Mei and crouched.
Once again, Kiriya felt Mei's weight on his back and began to stand. "Hold on tight, okay?" Kiriya led them out of the building before flying into the air to observe Ethan and the others.
Kiriya had used magic to hide their presence from the world with an invisibility spell. His eyes watched Ethan, Kanae, and Yahiko closely.
They were blocked by all the high-ranking enemies. There was no way to survive without anyone's help.
Without moving his hands, Kiriya summoned an invisible spear made of wind. He shot it around Ethan, protecting his teammates with the power of wind from enemy attacks.
They were surprised for a moment, but Yahiko immediately used water-element ninjutsu to create an opening for Ethan and Kanae. Thus, they managed to evade the main enemy that Ethan had to face later.
Once the trouble subsided, Kiriya could feel Mei's grip on his shoulder tighten. "Kiriya-san, will they be okay?" Mei's question made Kiriya himself ponder the same thing.
Originally, Ethan Winters had been captured by them and immediately taken into the castle, which made him find fragmentary clues easily. But this time, Ethan was not alone and instead of being captured, he retreated with two others. Making the situation more complicated and troublesome.
Therefore, Kiriya couldn't answer Mei's question satisfactorily. But there was one thing he was certain he would do if the problem worsened.
"Don't worry, I'll help if something's wrong."