I agree with Koal that the most devout, charismatic, and therefore powerful follower probably took control. And decided to use the biological weapon they were sitting on...
this is scary. a literal race against time, with an incredibly powerful virus that can annihalate almost the whole world versus our heroes who are relying on Kiriko alone to stop it. All the while Friend's people are still in power and willing to stop them
I think I should continue reading this in the morning