Chapter 175 Aira

Aira quietly nodded before sneaking a glance in the general direction of Satoshi and Crispwisp. She knew something unthinkable might happen to her if she disobeyed her father's words, that's why she meekly went to the kitchen area of the building and started making the cupcakes. There was a complete set of equipment and ingredients in the kitchen, that's why she couldn't really give an excuse to her father that she was missing an ingredient. One time, she tried using that as an excuse when she threw the flour in the trash can. Well, long story short her father saw what she did and she was severely beaten up. She didn't want that to happen again, that's why she just obeyed as she was told.

Besides, she enjoyed baking anyway. She never expected that something she loved doing in the memories of her late mother would become something she hated to the point where she wanted no part in it. At such a young age, Aira already knows what hope and despair feel like, more especially the drastic difference between the two terms.

With her talented hands, Aira expertly mixed in all the ingredients for the cupcake batter. It was all muscle memory for her— how to bake a perfect cupcake.

"Mister, why are you hiding over there by the corner? Are you also afraid of Aira?" Aira asked, not averting her gaze from the cupcake that sat in the oven. "You see, everyone is afraid of Aira, and Aira is afraid of everyone. But you two misters are kind, I know, and I'm not afraid of you."

Satoshi and Crispwisp, who were hiding right behind a pile of wooden boxes, gulped as they realized that the red-haired girl managed to pinpoint their location. They were completely hidden, and it's not like they made any sounds... but how could she know their location.

"We came back to save you," Satoshi simply answered. He thought it best to reveal his location than to wait for Aira's reaction if they didn't come out. She already stated that she wasn't afraid of them so the chances of her screaming after they revealed their location is nigh zero. But if they didn't reveal their location, there's a good chance she'll lose her composure and shout at them just so they would come out. Also, what if she threatened them to come out? Being threatened by a four or five-year-old just didn't sit right with Satoshi. It would be a great blow to his pride, especially since he's currently an intern.

"Y-yes, that's right!" Crispwisp decided to play along with Satoshi even though he was unsure what the plan was here.

"Aira knows, and Aira also knows that you two aren't lying," Aira said, her voice sounded indifferent but the two still found it cute.

"Then why are you still making cupcakes. Come on, let's go." Satoshi coaxed while signaling for her to come with them.

"Aira has to, so you can catch the other bad guys. You're the good guys, right? You should catch all of them." She simply pointed out as if that wasn't the plan, to begin with.

"Yes, we have our own methods. You don't have to play a part in it. Let us adults handle it." Crispwisp responded.

"Aira knows that even adults mess up too. My dad messes up a lot, and his friends mess up a lot too. They have to use Aira so they won't mess up. You might not catch them if you handle them alone, let Aira join, and Aira will make sure that you can catch all of them."

"You're right, you're absolutely right, Aira... but let us handle it. It is super dangerous if you were to help us. Aren't you scared?" Crispwisp asked.

Meanwhile, Satoshi stepped forward and told Crispwisp to shut up. Well, he didn't exactly tell him, he just turned around and shook his head at Crispwisp. Crispwisp got the idea.

While it is true that both Crispwisp and Satoshi only wish for her safety, Satoshi knew just how frustrating it felt when you needed to do something and yet you cannot do it. Besides, what Aira said was true. If they were to move while everyone's guard was down, there's a good chance that they'll be able to capture everyone. If they took it upon themselves to charge in and try to capture everyone, they're sure to make a mistake. Satoshi saw through all that, and that's why he decided to tell Crispwisp that they'll go with the child's plan.

"But she's just a kid, what if something dangerous happens to her? I won't be able to forgive myself."

"Have you seen my videos? In any case, you don't have to worry about her. I have teleportation abilities— it's more of a portal ability, I guess."

"Wait, you can make portals? Wow, I didn't know that. In any case, we don't have to worry about losing our cover, right? As long as you're not late with the portals, then all's good."

"Right, if we ever sense that Aria is in trouble, I'll immediately pull her out. Would that be all right, Aira?"

"Un~" Aira nodded.

"We really are going through the kid's plan, right? Tell me I'm not dreaming." Crispwisp was slightly panicked. This was the first time he was assigned on a mission, and right now he has to assist a kid? The process of things just escalated way too quickly and Crispwisp couldn't recover.

"Yep, don't sweat out the small details. As long as we're successful with this haul, then we can go back by the end of our patrol, wearing a job well-done badge on our collar." Satoshi assured him before turning towards Aira. "Are you really, really, really sure about this? Once you step out of that door with your basket of pancakes, you know there's no turning back, right?"

"Osu~" Aira saluted Satoshi with her childish impression of a soldier.

"Then let's go get them. Your lead, Aira," Satoshi saluted back.