Kazuya continued training his Time Magic, determined to prepare himself for the threat of the Alphabet Organization.
Meanwhile, Mr. P and the Crow-Masked Man met once again.
Mr. P asked, "What should we do now that we have obtained the magic stone and located one of the three scientists?"
The Crow-Masked Man replied, "You'll go to that scientist and try to recruit him. You were the one who found him."
Mr. P nodded.
"There are three scientists. York, an elf, who is engaged to Keith, the heir to the Elf King's throne. Then there's Philips, the smartest among them, who lives in the Land of Geniuses. And finally, Sherlock. After his battle with Penny Bon, he was severely injured and can only survive with medicine. He's currently hiding somewhere in the Gold Kingdom."
The Crow-Masked Man thought for a moment.
"Then Sherlock is our target. What's your plan?"
Mr. P answered confidently.
"I'll break in using Lightning Magic. My speed will allow me to bypass the guards and defenses. If he refuses to join us... I'll kill him."
"And if that plan fails?" asked the Crow-Masked Man.
"I have a backup plan. Mr. Q will accompany me and keep them busy while I finish the mission."
"And if that fails too?"
Mr. P smiled.
"I have another spell capable of crushing them all."
The Crow-Masked Man shook his head.
"Your plans have a forty-five percent chance of success. I'll stay nearby and create a few problems to distract anyone who interferes."
Mr. P nodded.
"Then the plan is settled."
The Crow-Masked Man turned away.
"Remember, I'm not your subordinate. I'm not even a member of your organization. I'm only working with you for my own benefit."
"Tomorrow at midnight, the operation begins."
Then he disappeared into the darkness.
Mr. P watched him leave and muttered:
"Maybe I'll kill you someday... or maybe not."
Elsewhere, Ren sat on his bed thinking about how to grow stronger.
Nearby, Gen and Ritoro sat on a field of grass, watching animals peacefully.
Gen smiled.
"Life is beautiful, isn't it, Ritoro?"
Ritoro nodded.
"Yes. The grass is green, the sky is blue, and the clouds are white."
Gen stared at him.
"Are you an idiot? Everyone knows that."
"Really?" Ritoro replied innocently.
Gen sighed.
"I'm heading back to the palace."
"I'll stay here a little longer," Ritoro answered.
At the academy, Amelia was teaching her students about the kingdom's history and its earliest leaders.
At the same time, Mr. P and Mr. Q prepared for the operation.
Before leaving, Mr. P stood alone, staring into the distance.
"I wish I could save you..."
Tears slowly rolled down his face.
After a moment, he wiped them away.
"Let's go."
The Crow-Masked Man joined them, and together they headed toward Sherlock's hideout.
When they arrived, they found countless robots and soldiers guarding the area.
Mr. P disabled the robots with Electricity Magic.
The Crow-Masked Man froze half the soldiers with Ice Magic.
Mr. Q burned the remaining soldiers with Fire Magic.
Afterward, Mr. Q and the Crow-Masked Man remained outside while Mr. P entered the building.
Inside, Sherlock was waiting.
Mr. P calmly sat down in a chair.
"Hello."
Sherlock looked at him coldly.
"What do you want?"
"Don't be so harsh. We'd like you to join our organization."
Sherlock narrowed his eyes.
"And what is your goal?"
Mr. P replied:
"To save people precious to us... and to take control of the Gold Kingdom."
Sherlock answered immediately.
"I refuse."
Mr. P stood up.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Mr. P pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed Sherlock throughout his body.
Moments later, Sherlock died.
Mr. P walked back outside.
However, what he saw shocked him.
Mr. Q's head had been cut off and thrown onto the ground.
Nearby, the Crow-Masked Man was fighting a gigantic giant wielding an enormous sword.
The Crow-Masked Man raised his hand.
"Gravity Magic: Infinite Pressure."
Instantly, the giant's body collapsed inward and was compressed until it became as small as a coin.
The battle ended.
Mr. P silently buried Mr. Q.
The mission had failed.
Sherlock was dead, and recruitment was no longer possible.
As a result, the Crow-Masked Man and Mr. P abandoned manipulation and diplomacy.
They chose war.
And the Alphabet Organization began preparing for the coming conflict.