Ever since he discovered the Leech-version of James Marcus, Noah had been rooted to the spot, his body trembling involuntarily.
He didn't even know why he was shaking this much.
Logically, Marcus's target wasn't him. Being on the far edge of the crowd, Noah was in the best position to bolt at the first sign of trouble; he had the highest chance of survival.
But seeing a major Resident Evil boss in the flesh—a mutated Bio-Organic Weapon—was different. Just thinking about that thing's raw lethality made him shudder uncontrollably.
Emma seemed to notice Noah's abnormal state. She walked over and gently took his hand.
Through his palm, which was drenched in cold sweat, Emma truly felt Noah's terror.
"Did you see something again?" she asked softly.
"Emma, did Boss Kendo say when we're heading back?"
"Um, when we left today, Dad said we could play as much as we wanted. He didn't say when we'd leave."
Emma looked around for her father. Seeing that Kendo and Barry had stopped clinking glasses and were both staring toward the center of the banquet, she added, "Based on the schedule, we probably won't leave until tonight."
Until tonight? In this deathtrap of a suburb?
Fantastic. By then, everyone here would likely end up as Umbrella's research subjects—or targets for Marcus's revenge.
"So, what did you find this time?"
Emma asked even more cautiously. She squeezed Noah's hand tight, trying her best to comfort him.
"Remember what I told you before?"
"I remember. You said not to talk to the people in white coats."
"Now, every single rule has changed," Noah said. "Don't interact with anyone you don't know. Don't even speak to them."
"Why?"
Emma was increasingly confused. This was supposed to be a great party with plenty of other kids around. Why was he banning all contact?
"Remember the story I told you about the Leech Man and the hellhounds?"
"Of course I do! My dad hit you over the head with a book because it was too scary!"
"What did I say about him?"
"You said the Leech Man is covered in leeches from head to toe, but he kept the memories of his original self. You said he views human life as trash and only cares about revenge."
"Right. Emma... among this crowd, there is someone just like that."
Hearing Noah say this with such a grim expression, Emma's own body began to shake. Her hand, which she had used to comfort him, now felt frantic.
"But this stays between us. Don't tell anyone. We don't know if the Leech Man will start his slaughter early if he finds out we know."
"Noah... are you serious?" Emma shivered.
"Yes. You forgot that I know many 'stories'?"
"But... they're just stories, aren't they?"
"Stories come from the truth."
Noah's certain tone convinced Emma completely. She was only ten, and her lack of experience meant she still held a sense of wonder and fear for the unknown. Since she couldn't verify the truth with her own limited life experience, she chose to believe him.
"Emma, I'm going to take you to your dad. I want you to tell him you feel sick and need to leave. Can you do that?"
"What about you?"
"Jill is here. I'm going to try to warn her and see if she can do something."
"Okay. We'll wait for you at the parking lot."
"Don't wait at the parking lot. Once you get to the car, get inside, lock the windows, and wait for me!"
"Remember: you must lock the windows!"
Noah repeated the instruction. After seeing Emma nod seriously, he led her toward Boss Kendo and Barry.
As William Birkin's thank-you speech echoed over the speakers, Noah reached Kendo's side. Seeing Barry chatting happily with the boss, Noah immediately changed his strategy.
I'll just tell Barry.
It would save him from the suspicion of trying to approach Jill or Katherine directly. Plus, it was unknown if he could even get near the center area.
"Barry, I'm Noah. I work for Kendo," Noah introduced himself quickly and got straight to the point. "This banquet isn't safe. Can you contact Jill? Tell her to convince Katherine to end the party early."
Kendo and Barry both stared at him in total shock.
Kendo's gaze was filled with disbelief—as if to say, how could you think it's unsafe? Everyone's having fun, the Mayor's daughter and the Umbrella elites are here.
Barry looked at him like he was some kid who had just popped out of nowhere to talk nonsense. "You got any actual evidence, kid?" Barry asked, trying to remain polite.
Noah pointed toward the Leech-version of Marcus.
"Who the hell wears a floor-length trench coat in this heat?"
That was all Noah could say. He knew it wasn't enough, but he couldn't exactly say Marcus was a walking bomb.
First, Barry wouldn't believe he knew such a specific detail. Second, if they tried to search the man and triggered a reaction, the banquet would turn into a bloodbath instantly. None of them had experience fighting B.O.W.s yet, let alone a high-tier boss.
If they fought him head-on now, they were dead.
"Haha! Kid, you're just jealous because that guy's coat looks cool!"
Barry slapped a heavy hand on Noah's shoulder—a clear warning to stop making trouble.
Seeing that tactic fail, Noah squeezed Emma's hand.
Emma got the signal perfectly and lunged for Kendo.
"Daddy, can we go rest in the car?"
"What's wrong, honey?"
"I'm tired... I want to take a nap in the car for a bit. I'll come back to the playground later."
"How about Noah takes you?" Kendo suggested. He didn't want the party to end; the big speeches were over, and he wanted more drinks and more time to chat with Barry.
"He's been with me all day. I want Daddy to come with me."
Emma clung to Kendo's leg and pouted like a little kitten.
Kendo looked at Barry and shrugged, a helpless but happy smile on his face. He picked Emma up, said a quick goodbye, and started walking toward the parking lot.
Barry watched the scene and smiled warmly.
Noah watched them too, feeling a deep sense of envy. Both of those men were total suckers for their daughters, and they looked incredibly happy.
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