As Ryder was trying to plan his next move, Salem was walking towards him. It's clear to him that Salem wasn't at her full power, he doesn't even know if she is at the moment. He steps back before he shakes aside his fears. He needs to end this fight before she can reach her full power. So, he fully activates his Magic before he launched himself at Salem and she launched herself at him. They clash in the middle causing a shockwave to erupt and a small crater to form beneath them. They then began to exchange blow after blow Dragon Ball style. After a few moments of clashing, Salem teleports behind Ryder and kicked him hard enough to send him flying down the street. Ryder lands and rolled back onto his feet before he slammed his fist into the ground to halt his momentum. But before he could press his assault, Salem was already in front of him and backhanded him through a building.
Ryder crashed through the last wall and stopped himself before he leaped into the air to dodge Salem's Magical attack which destroyed another building. In the air, Ryder looked around for Salem before she appeared above him. He looked up at her in time to be struck in the face and launched back down to the city below. When he hit the ground, his aura flickered before Salem slammed into him causing a crater to form. Salem then pinned Ryder's head to the ground with her hand.
"Now do you see how futile your fight is?" Salem asked. "Give me what I want, and I will spare this Kingdom."
"Never." Ryder said with a glare.
"Have it your way." Salem said, ominously.
Salem raised her other hand and conjured magic. Ryder braced himself for the impact but one of the Wardens Kairos has under his control tackles Salem off Ryder and into a car. Two more Wardens charge Salem as the group arrives. Salem sees the Warden holding her against the car as it charges up a blast of fire from its mouth. She grabs its jaw and pushes it upwards causing the Warden to launch a beam of flames upwards. She then kicked the Warden off her before the other two ram into her and knock her back.
"What the hell?" Ryder asked, bewildered by the act of Grimm fighting Salem.
The group reaches Ryder who was still lying on the ground. Kairos held a hand out for him and he grabbed it before being pulled up onto his feet.
"So, mind telling me why the Grimm are attacking Salem?" Ryder asked.
"My handy work." Kairos answered. "Turns out I can dominate the minds of Grimm and control them."
"That'll be useful." Ryder said with a smile.
"What were you thinking!?" Weiss asked angrily, as she stepped forward. "You could've gotten yourself killed!"
"I did what I did because i didn't want anyone else to get hurt." Ryder said, defending his actions. "Besides, I'm the only one who can light a candle to Salem's power."
"Will you stop thinking like that?" Winter asked, angrily. "The only reason you've gotten this far is because you had your friends beside you. Pushing them away will accomplish nothing."
"I know, but I lost one home and family i can't lose another." Ryder said.
"You won't." Weiss said, more gently than before. "If we take Salem on together, we have a better chance at winning."
Weiss could tell Ryder was hesitating, his anxiety getting the best of him. She grabbed his hands comfortingly and this made Ryder look her in the eyes.
"We can do this, you've dealt enough damage to Salem." Weiss said gently. "Let us help you finish the fight."
Looking into the eyes of the one he loved; his anxiety went away before he looked at everyone else who had their weapons out and ready. He then took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Alright." Ryder said before getting a determined look in his eyes as he closed his hands around Weiss's. "Let's do this."
Weiss smiles. The two let go of each other's hands and hear an explosion. The three Wardens turned to mist as Salem looked furious.
"You dare turn my Grimm against me!?" Salem asked.
She then noticed the group of people who all took battle stances. She could see the determination and defiance in their eyes. No fear, no hesitation. Just people ready to take her down. Ryder steps in front of the group.
"No matter your numbers you won't stop me." Salem said.
"So sure, are you?" Ryder asked.
"I've existed for thousands of years! I've seen civilizations rise and fall!" Salem declared. "I've faced countless people and never been defeated!"
"True, but that was because you had your immortality." Kairos said.
"Without it, you're like the rest of us." Ryder said. "Mortal."
After seeing her words didn't affect their determination, Salem composes herself.
"Then you all will perish alongside the rest of Humanity." Salem said.