Kiriya and Mei were on the roof, this time without the invisibility spell, watching Kanae, Ethan, and Yahiko try to come up with more refined strategy to breach and defeat the enemies.
They had faced several major problems after their encounter with the five individuals who appeared to be the leaders of the Lycans. One major problem was Kanae's sword. She lost it to the enemy with magnetic power.
For Kiriya, he could easily finish all of this with his magic. He could kill them all from a very long distance without them ever realizing they were being targeted. But it'll make the last boss more alert.
"Kiriya-san … you said that you could defeat them right now, but why did you decide to help me instead? Wouldn't it be better if … you helped them and ended everything?" Mei asked once again. So many questions made Kiriya think he must be quite an interesting subject in Mei's eyes.
But that was indeed a question on its own. Mei didn't know it yet, but Kiriya was someone very cautious and would rather end everything directly instead of dragging things out, which could lead to new potential problems. At least that's what he believes.
So why did Kiriya allow them to help Ethan instead of having them wait until he finished everything?
First, it was clearly because Kiriya respected them as free individuals capable of forming their own opinions. They also knew nothing about Kiriya, so he had to take a roundabout approach to avoid unnecessary internal conflict.
Second, he can't let himself do everything when everyone needs to grow stronger for themself.
Third, "It's because I want to see how far their level is compared to mine first. Then, I can make a solid plan to avoid any issues."
Kiriya had become a wizard, so he had to think like one. Gathering information and starting to strategize based on the data he had.
Not to forget, he also made backup plans in case the main one failed. His mission was to save the Winters family—Ethan Winters, Mia Winters, and Rose Winters.
He had already located Mia Winters' exact position and could save her right now. He already knew the condition of Rose Winters, and Ethan was here with the other group members.
Kiriya was already prepared if the Winters family were taken as hostages by the enemy. Even it was too risky because it's human life he's gambling on. As long as there's a chance, he could done it finely.
"Actually, if I move now, everything would indeed end just like that. We'd win, no one would have a hard time, and it would end happily. However, my plan is, I want us to use the time here to develop our powers."
Kiriya took out two cup noodles from spatial storage and poured hot water into them for a while before handing one to Mei. "Thanks," Mei replied.
Kiriya nodded and continued speaking. "Time in each world stops when we take on a mission. Which means, we can spend as much time as we want. If we finish it now, our time will be wasted. The name of this group is Deadman's Rebellion, we are the ones who rebel against death. Well … you should already realize that without me saying anything."
Mei did understand Kiriya's implication. The reason why Kiriya brought up this strange group now. It meant there was a possibility that they would experience life-and-death situations, the same kind of situation Ethan was currently in.
To change the fates of Ethan, Kanae, and Yahiko, Kiriya felt confident he could handle it alone. But Mei's fate … she truly could not be saved in her current state.
Only the Kiriya from the future could resolve the problem of Mei's world. So, everyone needs time to prepare themselves.
In the end, only themselves can face their own destiny.
"Just make use of your own time, Mei. Let me handle everything. Besides, I'm older than the three of you. So I have to make sure you're in the best possible situation when facing death."
There must be no regrets, even if it leads to the worst situation.
Kiriya's attention was drawn to someone. A hunchbacked man in a robe that hid disgusting sores beneath it. The man handed an item to a fat merchant. "Give this to Ethan Winters," he said before leaving.
A strange scheme Kiriya had never known before. It made him wonder what they were planning by giving a piece of Ethan's daughter's body through that merchant.
"How interesting."
"Kiriya-san, they're moving." Mei spoke, making Kiriya turn toward Ethan and the others, who were beginning to move toward the castle to confront again.
"Mr. Ethan!" Kiriya called out, causing the man and his two companions to turn around.
Kiriya told Mei to wait on the rooftop before leaping far ahead of them. A feat made possible with the help of magic that existed within his body.
"I suggest you to meet certain merchant first before going."
"Merchant?" Yahiko asked curiously, but Ethan understood who Kiriya meant.
"Right, I just remembered that I haven't told you about a strange merchant who helped me a lot here." Ethan said to Yahiko and Kanae.
"Then, should we check it out? Maybe we can find something useful later?" Kanae suggested.
"Alright, that's not a bad idea." Ethan agreed.
"Then I'll watch from afar like before, helping you if there's a major problem." Kiriya said for the last time before returning to the rooftop using a burst of wind.
Kiriya waved his hand one last time to them.
Without waiting for Mei's question, Kiriya explained. "The enemy is preparing something, this time it seems to be related to Mr. Ethan's daughter."
"Ethan-san's daughter… it was mentioned in the mission. Doesn't that mean she's fine?"
"It's hard to answer that because the situation is a bit complicated. I'll tell you later."
Kiriya didn't need to tell Mei that Ethan's daughter had been cut into pieces. And thanks to his cryptic answer, Mei couldn't help but conclude that Ethan's daughter was already in danger.
"Kiriya-san, what can I do to help them in my current state?"
"How far has your Spirit Zone progressed now?"
"I can already control the Spirit Zone to form a shield."
That's fast.
"Unfortunately, for now, there's nothing you can do except continue developing yourself."
In truth, Kiriya was half-lying. For now, she indeed couldn't help, but Mei would be able to assist after Mia Winters had been secured. Mei could become an unexpected last line of defense if something happened.
"Just preserve your strength for now. Use it only when it's truly necessary," Kiriya continued.
Ethan, Yahiko, and Kanae had arrived at Duke's location. The suspicious merchant who was always present whenever Ethan needed him. No matter where that was.
"Ah, my esteemed customer." Duke smiled, welcomed Ethan. "It seems you've found some unexpected companions."
Ethan didn't respond to Duke. He went straight to the point. "I want to attack the castle. There's a chance my daughter is there. Do you have anything that can help me?"
"Before that, someone left something for you." Duke handed over a flask filled with yellow liquid and something inside it.
"What is this?" Ethan wondered.
"How about you take a closer look?"
The mysterious Duke made Ethan reluctantly examine it himself. He turned the object around, observing every corner of it.
There was some writing covered by grime.
Ethan cleaned it.
There was a label that read "Rosemary W.", the name of Ethan's daughter.
And one more word under.
"Arms."