As they reflected on the scene they had just witnessed, Edano recalled my ability to notice the smallest details. He realized that he must now be thinking like me, knowing that they could no longer count on my help. Convinced that this scene was no accident, he came to the conclusion that it must contain crucial clues.
"We're deprived of Bun, therefore we must think like him... And I'm pretty sure... That this scene can only be a crucial clue to what's to come."
He explained to Ishikawa that it was imperative to get everyone together to discuss their strategy.
Meanwhile...
Saé remained at my side. Despite my encouragement to rest, she refused, saying she had to keep an eye on me.
In the shadows, a young boy was watching them intently...
"Bun! Did you hear that?"
Saé asked if I had heard the voice. But still deep in my depression, I weakly replied in the negative. Saé then asserted that the voice had alerted us to the presence of a child watching us.
I didn't react to her words, suggesting that her lack of sleep might be playing tricks on her and misleading her.
Night fell and Edano, accompanied by Ishikawa, returned to Saé.
"There you are!"
"Edano! So that's Ishikawa you were talking about..."
"Yes, he's the only one who can help us at the moment. I guess Bun is still in her phase... That's okay, I noticed something troubling today."
In the darkness, Edano shared his theory, his voice imbued with an ominous gravity. He began by outlining the dilemma we faced in this ordeal, pointing out that we could be pushed to extremes, where even seemingly safe places could prove dangerous.
He then explained the scene they had observed.
"A group was looting food from a field."
From this observation, Edano concluded that the grounds prone to explosion could be those containing large quantities of food. He developed his idea by pointing out that the presence of an abundance of resources could attract desperate groups and, consequently, increase the risk of tension and conflict.
He insisted that our survival depended on our ability to discern the real dangers hidden behind deceptive appearances. Ishikawa listened attentively, nodding from time to time in agreement with Edano's words. Tension was palpable in the air as they pondered the implications of this theory, realizing that even the simplest situations could be fraught with unsuspected dangers.
Saé looked skeptically at Edano, her brows furrowing slightly. "I'm not sure I follow your reasoning, Edano. This theory seems a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"
Edano sighed, understanding Saé's reaction. "I know it may sound a bit far-fetched, but in this situation, we have to consider every possibility, even the most unlikely."
Ishikawa intervened, seeking to calm the burgeoning debate. "I think Saé is right about one thing. It's important to remain rational and not jump to conclusions. But we must also keep an open mind to all eventualities."
Saé nodded, seeming to acquiesce. "Exactly. Rather than getting lost in convoluted theories, we should analyze concrete facts from a logical angle."
Edano took a deep breath, recognizing the wisdom in Saé's words. "You're right. We must keep a cool head and examine the elements before us."
Saé continued his reasoning. "And if we go back to the clue Bun suggested earlier, perhaps the grounds around this sub-enigma are actually safer. If this clue is intended to guide people to this riddle, it's logical to think that these grounds should be protected."
The disagreement between Saé and Edano was palpable, each camped on their positions with conviction.
"I sincerely think we should stay on the land where the secondary enigma is," Saé insisted, seeking to convince Edano of the wisdom of his proposal. "It's the safest and most logical choice."
Edano, however, shook his head determinedly. "I understand your point of view, but I firmly believe in my theory. We need to test it to be sure."
Saé tried one last time to dissuade him. "Edano, please, don't take unnecessary risks. Our safety should be our top priority."
But Edano had already made up his mind. "Anyway I'm not going to die so it doesn't matter."
He set off towards the field where the abundance of food seemed to confirm his theory, ignoring Saé's warnings.
This conflict of opinions left the air tense, with everyone convinced that they had the best strategy to ensure their survival.
With Edano out of the way and Saé remaining by my side, Ishikawa set about sowing the seeds of his theory with the other members of the group, engaging in discreet discussions in the hope of convincing them.
Reactions were mixed. Some nodded skeptically, seemingly disinclined to embrace such a bold theory. Others, however, seemed more receptive, attracted by the logic behind Ishikawa's arguments.
Despite lingering doubts, Ishikawa's reputation as a shrewd strategist and trusted figure within the group weighed heavily in the balance. In the end, those who were still undecided decided to put their trust in him, convinced by his past experience and insight.
Ishikawa had finally decided to stay with Saé and me on the second puzzle, even though he believed in Edano's theory. It was a difficult choice, but he seemed determined to stay with us despite his personal convictions.
So there we stood, in the field where we had found the secondary riddle, while Edano headed for another field where food was scarcer. The tension was palpable, each of us wondering if we'd made the right decision.
Saé, grateful for Ishikawa's presence despite their differences of opinion, thanked him warmly.
"Thank you for believing in me, despite your conviction for your theory."
Ishikawa replied with a reassuring smile.
"It's normal, I felt obliged. Besides, I'll be there to protect you if need be!"
Saé blushed slightly at Ishikawa's words, her heart racing at the kind attention. A slight smile lit up her face as she felt touched by his kindness.
"Haha that's sweet, but you know..."
She then revealed a secret to him, explaining that she had saved me during a monster attack at the beginning of the riddle by awakening a power called "spotlight". Saé's words seemed to carry a certain gravity, as if she were revealing a fragment of her soul to Ishikawa.
The latter was surprised by this revelation, revealing his astonishment.
"Really? But this Bun, in reality... Isn't he just a weakling trying to pass himself off as strong? I have the impression that everything I've seen of him was just a facet."
Ishikawa didn't wish to judge me, but in view of my condition, he questioned everything he'd thought he knew about me so far.
Saé, seeking to reassure him, explained.
"He's not weak... It's just that... His vulnerability lies in his difficulty with human interaction... Especially when he has no way of protecting himself.
Intrigued, Ishikawa tried to find out more, asking Saé for clarification. However, Saé waved him off, preferring to keep silent on certain sensitive subjects. She skilfully sidestepped the question about the film, seeming to want to preserve this part of the mystery for herself.
In this peaceful atmosphere, the two let themselves be lulled by the calm, exchanging knowing glances that spoke volumes.
A few meters away, a group of people watched the scene in silence, looking preoccupied. Ishikawa's words about his terrain theory had fanned their flames, rekindling the flames of a heated debate. Their eyes met, exchanging silent messages, betraying the tension rising within them.
"What are they doing? What are these risky, irresponsible speculations."
His words were laden with frustration, underscoring the sense of urgency and uncertainty that reigned among the group.
"What do we do then? Destroy his status?"
In a gesture imbued with determination, the first person replied.
"Don't worry, we'll make a few adjustments, that should be enough...", suggesting that perhaps she had an alternative to present to better guide the group's actions.