Arisa runs hard to follow the GPS that gives directions straight into her ears. Since there were still many people around her who occasionally turned to look at his figure that seemed to be chasing something, he couldn't bring out the projection display from his communication ring.

She is beginning to pants for running after a while. Arisa's stamina has improved since she routinely walks around the city at night. Thus, she is still strong enough to force herself to go where Johann was, located on the city's east side.

After about fifteen minutes of running, the girl arrived at a clearing with a four-story building in its corner. As Arisa observes her surroundings, several abandoned fences are being overgrown by wild plants and an old, almost blank signboard. The former factory has no sign of life when someone sees it looks from the outside. However, this is where Johann is hiding, according to the girl with the scarf.

"That must be the place," Arisa muttered as she thoroughly observed the building from a distance.

This place is quite far from residential areas and the main road. So, there is no proper lighting around here, aside from a few old lamps that haven't been used for a long time, ideal for a hideout. Arisa wonders if the police from the future mostly skipped the area like this. However, she can find the answer later.

As she checked her surroundings, her ears caught approaching footsteps from behind.

"Thank you for coming... guys," said Arisa.

Rio, Johann, and Rita have arrived. They got the emergency message Arisa sent when she was running here.

"I thought you called Mr. Davide or Sato?" Rio asked for sure.

"Yes, they said that it would take a little more time to prepare everything since most of the other staff are already on patrol at another side of town. Mr. Sato suggested that we wait before entering. But… I want to speak to Johann first before the police come. So I ask you to go together with me. Can you do that for me?" asked Arisa.

Rio and Valerie exchanged glances. Then, Rito looks at Rita as if asking for her approval. Unfortunately, she is also unconvinced and shakes her head slowly.

Rio scratched the back of his head slowly before making up his mind.

"You know that it would be very dangerous to go inside, Arisa? You were the one who told me that Johann is armed," said Rio.

"That's right. But, I'm sure we can still talk to each other," Arisa said, almost sounding to plead.

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"Valerie, what do you think?"

He put his finger on his chin. "Yeah, it's very risky to go inside just with the four of us. Moreover, we don't have any countermeasures at all if Johann points us with his gun..."

"… it's alright. I'm sure Johann is still open for negotiation. We can't wait any longer with the volunteers' existence at stake," said Arisa confidently.

The two guys glance at each other again with wary eyes. Johann was a person who could do things like manipulate the Record of the Past. Plus, he was carrying a gun, and no one knew if he carried something else that was dangerous.

"How?" asked Arisa once again.

It's the first time Rio has seen Arisa with this strong determination. Judging from the girl's face, it looks like nothing much happened. Just usual Arisa with her usual expression. However, there was something else in her eyes. Rio could understand why Arisa wanted to meet with Johann before the police caught up.

—the feeling of someone who wants to stop her friend who was walking down the wrong path.

"There is one thing I need to confirm. Let's say that we all don't agree with your invitation to go inside, will you still go alone, Arisa?" Rio asked.

"Of course."

Rita shuddered. "But, Arisa… going inside is—"

"Okay, I'll help you to meet Johann," Rio cut in firmly.

"R-Rio?" Rita gasped.

"I guess if it's the three of us, then we can still do something. Right, Val?" Rio looked at Valerie, who still couldn't make up his mind.

"…So you really want to do this, Rio?" Valerie asked, confirming.

He nods. His friend smiled widely.

"Okay! Let's do this together, Arisa!" Valerie.

Valerie's approval is the last thing Arisa needs. A warm sensation comes to her chest when Rio and Valerie agree to help her.

"Wait! Are we really going inside?" She couldn't imagine at all what if something terrible happened to one of the four of them.

"…I think you'd better stay here, Rita. You'll be the one to meet the police when they arrive. Tell them the situation," suggested Rio.

"Really—"

"Rita, I beg you to wait here."

Rio holds Rita's hands. He doesn't want her exposed to danger. Rio still didn't want Rita to participate, even if the risk of going inside was low.

Rita is trying to hold back her tears. She can't understand why her friends would face someone who could mess up the whole situation of the volunteers alone. Especially about Rio. She couldn't imagine if something happened to him.

However, Rio has already given his answer to Arisa.

So—

"You guys must be extra careful. Especially you, Rio. We still have our project for this city, and I definitely don't want something to happen to you," Rita said in a shaking voice.

Rio smiles sweetly. "Of course. We won't be long. Wait for the police to come, Rita."

Rita nods, trying to brace herself. Arisa comes closer those the two and suddenly hugs Arisa without a word for a few seconds.

"Follow us inside when Mr. Sato has arrived," suggested Arisa.

Rita nods in response.

Finally, Arisa, Rio, and Valerie started to go into the abandoned building under the darkness of the night, pushing away the cold due to the temperature and the fear that had plagued their minds.

Rita is silent, hoping there is no bloodshed on this solemn night.