Jericho Takes Action

"All right, now we have nothing to worry about."

Someone in the crowd muttered those words dazedly.

The effect on the people of Hogwarts was immediate.

"Fight Light!"

"Fight! Open fire, Hogwarts!"

One dispirited murmur after another eventually swelled into a surging tide:

"Defeat him! Defeat him!"

Someone began singing the school song.

Just like the one sung after the first-years' Sorting—set to all kinds of tunes and sung in all kinds of styles.

When Moriarty turned to look at the people so closely tied to this school, the school song seemed to drown out the mountains, leaving nothing between heaven and earth but singing.

When the song ended, the people returned to the Castle of their own accord, carrying Gryffindor's courage, Hufflepuff's kindness, Ravenclaw's Wisdom, and Slytherin's cunning.

"Once Professor McGonagall and Zhang Tianxue return, close the gates."

Moriarty instructed Rubeus Hagrid, who, along with Marcus and the others, was stationed at the Forbidden Forest.

Tears streamed down Rubeus Hagrid's face as he nodded forcefully. After Moriarty and the others returned to the Castle, Rubeus Hagrid stood guard beneath it like one of the Stone Warriors.

About an hour later.

Zhang Tianxue and the others returned to the Castle.

"Husband~" Zhang Tianxue embraced Moriarty. "They said you've confirmed Light's true identity?"

"My guess is most likely correct," Moriarty said slowly. "That's precisely why I need everyone's strength. If I face Light alone, I may not be his match."

A trace of worry surfaced in Zhang Tianxue's beautiful eyes. She realized how grave the situation was.

In her eyes, Moriarty had been like a god descending into the world, yet even he might not be able to defeat Light.

"Don't worry, my husband~" Zhang Tianxue took Moriarty's hand. "No matter what happens, I'll always, always be with you."

Moriarty smiled